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HISTOEICAL DISCOUESE: 



DELIVERED BY 



REV. MOSES MILLER, 

Foner Pastor of the First CongregatioDai Churcli in Seath, 



AT THE REQUEST OF SAID CHURCH, 

WITH SOME OP THE ACCOMPAxNYING EXERCISES. 



v-"*. -W- H*^^* 



SHELBURNE FALLS- 

PRINTED BY GEO. W. MIRICK. 

1853. 



The following resolution was passed by the first Congregatiorxal 
Church in Heath, at a lecture preparatory to the Communion, April 1, 
1852. 

Resolved : — That this church entertain a grateful remembrance of 
the Rev, Moses Miller, their former Pastor, and his faithful labors with 
them for thirty-six years ; and that we hereby express to him our sen- 
timents of high regard, and affectionately invite him to deliver an 
Anniversary Discourse to this people, at some convienent time which 
he may name. 






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JAM $^m ' 



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SALUTATION. 

^^ 

?^ BY REV. A. GRAVES, PRESENT PASTOR 



Venerable Father : 

I am happy in being permitted, in behalf of this 
church and people, to welcome you here to-day ; and to ex- 
press to you our thanks that you have come, in compliance 
with our solicitation, to address us on this interesting occa- 
sion. We rejoice in the kind providence which has length- 
ened out your days to this advanced period of life, and 
given you health and strength to appear among us. 

But the face of t,hings has changed very much in 
this community since your first acquaintance with it. It is 
true, the hills and valleys, with which you have been so 
long conversant, are as of old. But the dense forests on 
the north have disappeared, and to-day we see in their 
places, cultivated farms and prosperous neighborhoods. 
Advancing with the times we have more commodious dwell- 
ings, and have drawn around us more of the comforts of 
life. 

But it is.in the people that the greatest changes meet you. 
The fathers and mothers whom you knew in your early 
ministry long since ceased their pilgrimage. Most of their 
funerals you attended. The generations over which you 
were settled have passed away, with here and there a soli- 
tary exception. You look to-day upon their children of the 
second, and even third generations, who have come up hith- 
er once more to greet you — to listen to your voice, and to 
hear of former days. 



But the changes have not all been with the people of 
your former charge. Most of your numerous family sleep 
with the dead. Not only while here, but in your absence 
also, you have been called repeatedly to drink of affliction, 
sweetened though it has been by the grace of God. We 
greet not her,* to-day, who sympathized with you and 
cheered you on in your labors and responsibilities as the 
pastor of this people ; and who shared with you in the cares 
and anxieties attending the rearing of your family. Nor do 
you find, in the old family dwelling, the daughter! whom 
you left, whose hand was ever ready to administer to your 
comfort. Nor do we see here to-day that sonf of promise 
suddenly stricken down in the midst of cherished hopes and 
high raised expectations in those who knew him. Surely 
my dear sir, in your absence the chastening hand of God 
has still followed j^ou. You have not reached your ad- 
vanced age without experiencing many of the rough touches 
of time, and the sore discipline of your heavenly Father. 
But accusiomed as you are to resolve these things into the 
wise and good providence of Him who doeth all things well, 
they have not been, by the grace of God, unattended with 
a hallowed influence upon your own mind. 

Standing as I now do in the position which you so long 
occupied as the pastor of this church and people, and enter- 
ing into your labors — as I look at the history of your minis- 
try here, and learn its results, in the blessing of God upon 
your labors, I am impressed with the thought that it was a 
privileged ministry. Few pastors, in a field no more pop- 
ulous, have been permitted to reap so rich a harvest. In 
this connection the reminescenes of the past must be attend- 
ed with interest to yourself as events crowd upon your 
mind — and not only to yourself, but to others also who felt 

* See Appendix A. f See Appendix B. | See Appendix C. 



a common solicitude with you for the prosperity of Zion, 
and who to-day greet you as their spiritual father. 

I deem myself authorized here to assure you of the kind 
feelings and high regard still entertained for you by this 
community. It is evinced in extending to you the invitation 
to address us, and in the readiness with which every call, in 
providing for this occasion has been responded to, and in the 
crowded assembly now before you, composed not alone of 
those who shared in the benefits of your ministry now resid- 
ing in town, but of many from adjoining towns, and from 
distant homes who have come here once more to take you 
by the hand, to welcome you to their hearts, to mingle their 
sympathies and joys with ours as we together review with 
you the history of the past, all which may assure you that 
the people for whose welfare you labored so many years, 
and to whom you devoted your best days still remember 
you with affection and esteem ; and your memory will be 
embalmed in the hearts of their children. 

But I must not take the time which belongs to you. 

In the name of this church and people, with this hand, I 
tender you our hearty thanks for your response to our call, 
and our best wishes that your days may be lengthened out 
in peace, and in the rich enjoyment of that gospel in its 
personal benefits which you so long and so faithfully preach- 
ed in this place ; and it shall always be reckoned among our 
choicest blessings to know that we have a place in your 
prayers and kind remembrances. 



SCRIPTURES SELECTED, 



BY THE PASTOR. 



Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice ; and 
let man say among the nations, The Lord reigneth. Give 
unto the Lord ye kindreds of the people ; give unto the 
Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory 
due unto his name.-'' I will be glad and rejoice in thy mer- 
cy ; for thou hast considered my trouble : thou hast known 
my soul in adversities." My flesh and my heart faileth ; 
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.® 
I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trem- 
bling. And my speech and my preaching was not with 
enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of 
the Spirit, and of power; that your faith should not stand 
in the vv^isdom of men, but in the power of God.*^ For the 
priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek 
the law at his mouth ; for he is the messenger of the Lord 
of hosts. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity 
was not found in his lips : he walked with me in peace and 
equity, and did turn many away from his iniquity. *= 

And I beseech you brethren suffer the word of exhorta- 
tion.^ Let brotherly love continue. ^ Live peaceably with 

n Chro. 16 : 31. 28, 29. ^Ps. 31 : 7. -^Ps. 73 : 36. ^2 
Cor. 2 : 3, 4, 5. «Mal. 2 : 7, 6. ^Heb. 13 : 22. ^Heb. 13 : 1. 



8 

all men." Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou 
dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.' I have 
been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the right- 
eous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.-? They that 
trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion.'' But he that en- 
dureth to the end shall be saved. ' 

God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the 
bowels of Jesus Christ. And this f prav, that your love 
may abound yet more and more in knowledge, and in all 
judgment."' 

I saw your fathers as the first ripe in the fig tree at her first 
tmie." We took sweet counsel together and walked to the 
house of God in company." And behold ye have risen up 
in your father's stead.i' Thine own friend and thy father's 
friend forsake not.-^ But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that 
now at the last, your care of me hath flourished again 
wherem ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity ^ ' 
And behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth 
and ye know in all your hearts, and in your souls, that not 
one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord 
your God spake concerning you.« U there be therefore 
any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any 
fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ve 
my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same loVe, beinc. 
of one accord, of one mind.* ^ 

And behold I come quickly : and my reward is with me 
to give every man according as his work shall he.- Even 
so, come. Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 
be witli you all. Amen.^ 



m""l-.^'^ •■ T^?-, 'Ps.37:3. iPs.37:25. ''Ps. 125 1 -Mat 



DISCOUESE. 



Psalm 77: 10, 11, 12. But I will remember the years of the right 
hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord ; 
surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all 
thy work, and talk of thy doings. 

My text I have chosen for a motto rather than a 
particular subject of discussion, yet I shall regard its 
general sentiment somewhat as a landmark to guide 
in this discourse. Not a few facts, but the general 
facts of a man's history are needful to be known, 
to know his character. God cannot be known in the 
best, the most desirable sense to effect in our minds 
a contrast, uniform, firm and consoling confidence, 
without a general knowledge of the facts of the past, 
present, and to some extent of his future acts in 
the moral government of this world. 

The former is actual history ; the latter is history 
in anticipation. The Bible itself is but a history of 
facts occurring in the providence of God, being con- 
troled and directed to the accomplishment of great 
moral ends together with the principles, laws, spirit 
and gracious provisions of his moral government. 

Thus the study of the bible and history of the 
world lays almost the only foundation for wise con- 



10 

elusions and true knowledge. To know the facts 
then, past, present and future of God's Providential 
acts, is to know God and to know man, the most impor- 
tant of all knowledge. 

In accordance with the design of this occasion, 
and the general sentiment of my text, I shall give 
a brief history of this Town and religious society. 
And in this I shall more particularly dwell upon 
means and their results, moral causes and their ef- 
fects. The more common statistics brought forward 
on such an occasion, though very useful in their place, 
are not the best things to make the most useful and 
lasting impressions. I shall very seldom mention, or 
allude to individuals or names. I shall give no his- 
tory of other denominations or rehgious societies, 
though I cherish kind sentiments to them all. 

The Providence of God is often very manifest in 
the settlement of towns and counties- The charac- 
ter of the first inhabitants does much in giving a 
form and character to the population. 

The Puritans have impressed much of their own 
character upon New England society, and through 
them have imparted it more or less to our whole- 
country. 

We retain still something of the Puritan character, 
in some recpects improved ; in other respects the 
progress has been backward. The early inhabitants of 
this community were generally from Worcester county 
and numbers from the town of Worcester, the place of 
my nativity, and where I united with a church of 
which some of my ancestors had been members nearly a 



11 

century before. They were trained up in some respects 
under different Theological systems and under diii'erent 
moral influences ; but a majority of them at least 
brought with them a good measure of the Puritan char- 
acter and Puritan doctrines somewhat diluted by Armin- 
ianism or modified by too much bearing to ultra Calvin- 
ism ; and some few were early trained under moral 
influences, far from being salutary. It is profitable to 
observe the shade and cast of opinions and moral charac- 
ter these first families and individuals have given to the 
generations that sprang from them. Some are and were 
better than their fathers : others, as is not uncommon in 
this degenerating world-, have degenerated. But most 
of those who have sprung from a majority of these 
families have been and are more or less respectable and 
useful in the world. The sons of some have been as 
plants grown up in their youth and their daughters as 
polished stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. 
But those who originated from a degenerate root have 
been mostly the degenerate plants of a strange vine, 
but little else than a public nuisance. 

Here is wisdom for parents to learn. And what re- 
fleeting parent but must feel the importance of possess- 
ing correct principles and a correct moral deportment 
with seasonable discipline and instructions, to exert a 
healthful influence upon his family. The decidedly pre- 
ponderating influence of the early inhabitants of this 
Town was in favor of sustaining good morals, the institu- 
tions of Christianity, and a v/ell educated society. They 
possessed rather an unusual share of intelligence, and 
talents, and much simplicity of manners. They were 



12 

true republicans, but not demagogues. Very few emi- 
nent for piety, and yet a church going people. A con- 
siderable portion of what is now Heath began to be set- 
tled about a century ago. 

On its northern limits was a fort, one of a line of forts 
on the northern portion of this state to defend the in- 
habitants against the incursions of the Indians. Before 
the American revolution there were a considerable num- 
ber of inhabitants in this territoy though not incorpo- 
rated as a Town. It furnished, I believe, its due pro- 
portion of men to fight for the liberties of our country. 

It was the residence of one brave field officer, who 
served his country during our revolutionary struggle. 
He was in the battle of Bunker Hill and fought and 
bled in that memorable action. He took also a consider- 
able prominent part in other important battles. The 
name of Colonel Maxwell is mentioned in the history of 
our Revolution. He sacrificed not a little, with others, 
to secure our freedom. And after the revolution, during 
Shay's insurrection, the inhabitants of this part of Char- 
lemont exhibited a more loyal spirit than the other part. 

In this they showed that they had not contended for a 
liberty that every man might do that which seemed right 
in his own eyes ; to be delivered from the oppression of 
one species of tyranny, to become subject to another 
which experience has shown to be the most oppressive 
tyranny, that poor humanity ever endured. 

Our freedom cost too much expenditure of treasure 
and blood and individual sacrifice to be thus, at that, or 
at other time, thrown away to the four winds. A large 
portion of this territory which is now Heath, being a part 



13 

of Charlemont for nearly half a century, together with a 
large forest unsold, belonging to persons residing in Eng- 
land, was incorporated in 1784. It was called Heath, 
after the name of General Heath of Roxbury, then an 
influential member of the Legislature. The first town 
meeting was held at the South School House, March 21, 
1785. Heath has therefore been an organized, civil 
community 67 years. The church was organized April 
15, 1785. So that provision was immediately made for 
the enjoyment of christian privileges. Mr. Leavitt, 
whose premises belonged to this town in the division of 
Charlemont, and who was the first minister of Char- 
lemont, officiated, with others, as religious teachers. 
This town had no settled pastor for something mo^e than 
five years after its incorporation. The church when or- 
ganized consisted of 35 members ; 20 males and 15 
females. I believe there was then but one family which 
did not belong to this religious society. 

Of the inhabitants belonging to the territory incorpo- 
rated into the town of Heath, a larger proportion were 
of the better class than of those who still belonged to 
Charlemont ; though now it may be otherwise. 

In Charlemont in former days, whatever it may be 
now, there existed something of the spiiit of mobocracy, 
especially in reference to their first minister, the Rev. 
Mr. Leavitt. With this spirit very few of the inhab- 
itants of Heath sympathized, though they had the same 
grounds of dissatisfaction. 

How much provocation there was to this state of feel- 
ing and action, for some of it was quite outrageous, I am 
not able to state, but whether more, or less, it did not 
justify the course pursued. 
2 



14 

We would cast the mantle of charity over the defects 
of the past with the hope that coming generations may 
cast the mantle of charity over ours. 

The church edifice, an unfinished building, to which in 
former times, the people of Charlemont, Hawley and 
Buckland resorted to attend public worship, was located 
on the southern boundary of Heath. Thus this Mount 
was a mount of Zion, whither the tribes of our Israel 
around repaired to offer their sacrifices to Israel's God. 
Some came on horseback, some on foot for miles around, 
carrying their infant children in their arms. Some 
waded, some forded, and some boated the rapid Deer- 
field, or crossed on its frozen waters. Some came on 
sleds, perhaps a few in sleighs, but none ever came in 
anything like the vehicles of the present day. And 
when they had assembled, they had no cushions to be 
seated upon, but a rough, hard board and no back to 
lean against. And they had at that time long prayers 
and long sermons. This is the place where your parents 
and grand-parents and great-grand-parents and some per- 
haps present, in childhood worshipped, and these, some of 
the attending circumstances. This same building, re- 
moved to the central part of this town and finished, was 
the christian Temple in which I preached more than thirty 
years ; in which frequent showers of heavenly influence 
descended upon the congregation. 

In this house were many refreshing communion sea- 
sons in which numbers were received to the fellowship of 
this church. At one period, the Sabbath School assem- 
bled in this house numbered more than five hundred. 
And hundreds in this house of God in its former and 



15 

latter location I believe have been trained to worship iu 
a temple not made with hands. 

Many hallowed and pleasant associations cluster around 
this ancient building in which some of you and your 
ancestors worshipped. And though we had a new church 
erected more in the style and taste of the present day, 
but as yet the glory of the former exceeds the glory of 
the latter house. 

When the edifice of which I have been speaking was 
removed from the southern limits of this town to a cen- 
tral position, the way was prepared to have a settled pas- 
ter. The first pastor was the Rev. Joseph Strong of 
Williamsburgh. He was ordained October 27, 1790, 
and was dismissed June 10, 1803. The real ground of 
his dismission, I believe, was too great devotion to his 
temporal interests. It was quite evident that during his 
ministry this moral field was not highly cultivated, still 
during his labors as a pastor, there were by letter and 
profession 40 added to the church ; and there were three 
seasons of unusual interest in the years 1792, 1797, and 
1800. 

Though the first minister in Heath was dismissed after 
what was then deemed a short period, and dissatisfaction 
was expressed by a considerable portion of the commu- 
nity, yet I think it was not characteristic of this people 
to quarrel with their minister. I believe I can say in 
truth, that it was more than usually characteristic of 
them, in those days at least, to respect the ministerial of- 
fice and reverence their minister. I myself am a living 
witness of this. In the midst of all my imperfections, 
and they were many, I enjoyed more regard and respect by 



16 

thorn than I had reason to hope for, from depraved hu- 
manity, during a period of 30 years. To this fact, 
in the providence of God, I attribute much of my suc- 
cess, as a minister of the gospel in this place. 

Among this people there was unanimity in their politi- 
cal sentiments. Five sixths or more were in favor of 
the Washingtonian and Federal Administration. Yet 
party spirit had some influence to disturb their social and 
religious interests — a spirit ever to be deprecated and 
guarded against as having a demoralizing tendency. 

The inhabitants of this town were an industrious and 
provident people. Idlers and loungers could find rarely 
an associate here. The hands of every man and woman 
and child were busily employed. There were for many 
years no distracting law-suits, nor criminal acts which 
called for legal prosecutions. Lawyers would have been 
obliged to beg their bread, and courts of justice would 
have had but little employment had every other town in 
the county been like this. 

But it is the religious history of Heath which contains 
the most interesting incidents and which were the basis 
of those blessings for which this town has been distin- 
guished. And as my ministry included niore than half 
the period since this town was incorporated, and thrice 
as long as that of the aggregate ministry that has suc- 
ceeded me, it seemed suitable that this service should 
devolve on me ; a service in many respects very dehght- 
ful but in some respects painful. 

I must in this part of the history necessarily allude to 
myself more than would be suitable in other circumstan- 
ces, yet whatever good I may have done as an instru- 



17 

ment, I feel that God only is worthy to be exalted, and it 
is simply relating what God has wrought as the great 
efficient agent. 

I was ordained December 26, 1804. I did not enter 
my ministry here without opposition, and this opposition 
was, as far as I know confined to the church. Nearly 
one sixth of its members voted, and eventually protested 
against my settlement. Two of whom were important 
members, who in a short time were among my most sub- 
stantial friends. 

I learned that this opposition was solely on account of 
my sentiments. In other respects, poor as my services 
were, they were quite acceptable. 

This opposition did not appear to me to be a sufficient 
ground for a negative answer. And I have never had 
occasion to regret my decision. 

In this field of labor, I found there was much work 
to be done, besides preaching on the sabbath. The first 
work was a very obvious case of discipline. Though at 
first there was some demurring in the case, yet it was 
finally issued with great unanimity. It seemed to be the 
opinion of members of this church, that if a confession 
is made, in whatever circumstances, it must be consid- 
ered as satisfactory. In this case, though the offender 
made a confession, the vote of acceptance was suspended, 
that the offender might test the genuineness of his re- 
pentance. The sequel proved, as was expected, no 
reform, but rather an aggravation of the offences. The 
offender was excommunicated. 

Another measure adopted was the formation of a Cat- 
echetical Glass of children which I instructed on the 
*2 



18 

sabbath during the intermission. Emerson's catechism 
■was committed to memory by the children, and in the 
recitation it Tvas briefly explained to them. 

This catechism contained a concise statement and view 
of christian doctrines, a short history of soms facts in- 
teresting to children, related in the Bible, and Westmin= 
ister's Shorter Catechisnl 

This course was pursued from the early part of my 
ministry till the sabbath school was formed, and may 
have had some influence in giving an earlier interest to 
this institution in this place. 

A Catechetical class also of youth, mostly females, 
■was formed. In these two classes there were about 
seventy or eighty children and youth. 

In these exercises I had a more direct access to the 
minds and hearts of children and youth, and with the 
countenance and aid of parents, and the blessing of 
God, much good was done. I have been surprised at 
the fact when I have thought of the feebleness and de- 
fects of my instrumentality. As far as I have been able 
to ascertain the facts, all the children, which were about 
fifty or sixty, who regularly attended my Catechetical 
class on the sabbath, and the youth who recited the Bib- 
lical Catechism who lived to manhood, became professors 
of religion. 

And those also who regularly attended the sabbath 
school generally have become professors of religion, 
though they have not all united with this church. There 
was a far greater proportion of those who were children, 
and those in years of minority, who became hopefully 
pious than of those who had arrived to mandood when I 
first became a pastor of this church and society. 



19 

As there was some discrepancy in the theological opin^ 
ions of this church and society, as I have before sug- 
gested, arising from the different religious instructions in 
the towns from which they removed to this place, I felt 
the importance of exhibiting systematically the great 
doctrines of revealed religion. 

In this effort I became much interested and instructed, 
and though my sermons were quite imperfect in richness 
and variety of thought and argument and illustration, 
having received no regular theological instruction, yet I 
think they effected something in harmonizing the relig- 
ious sent?!nents of the church, and in stamping an im- 
press of truth to some extent upon the minds of the ris- 
ing generation. 

Bible instruction was given in different neighborhoods 
by way of questions and answers in part, and in part by 
short lectures upon portions of scripture previously as- 
signed. This was thought to be a more useful religious 
exercise in weekly meetings than mere exhortations or in- 
struction given in the form of a sermon. 

Mere exhortation soon becomes stereotyped and stale 
and begets satiety, unless when there is a deep religious 
interest, and even then, exhortation should be based upon 
some bible truth commending itself to the conscience and 
experience of men. . This is reciprocal instruction. The 
minister as well as the hearer may be a learner. Every 
reflecting man, though he has never seen a Theological 
Seminary may give a new form to christian truth, which 
may make it both interesting and instructive ; especially 
if in his heart the love of Christ has a commanding in- 
fluence. Dr. Chalmers in writing his lectures on Ro- 



20 

mans consulted an illiterate woman of large christian 
experience upon some points in experimental religion. 
And he found that she could instruct him. 

Ministers we well know are not Popes, though some 
perhaps may wish to be. They are not infallible in their 
opinions. They need to be instructed as well as to in- 
struct. 

Now the acquisition of knowledge is unlike mere ex- 
citement which exhausts and satiates, and must in its 
very nature be periodical. 

One degree of progress here creates a keener relish 
for another degree ; and every new truth discovered pro- 
duces additional satisfaction. And we know that it is 
by an enlightened conscience and a cultivated intellect, 
that right affections are produced and sustained in the 
mind. The preacher, if he takes the word for his guide 
and studies it profoundly, never need fear wearying or 
satiating his people in imparting to them knowledge ; es- 
pecially if he make Christ his exemplar in his manner of 
doing it. Nor need he be solicitous with regard to the 
results of his labors, for ten christians of enlightened 
piety and stability are better than a hundred whose piety 
is ephemeral and who are unstable as water. 

To pursue our history, I remark, that unusual efforts 
were made to improve our primary schools. And we 
were the first, or among the first, who established select 
schools. This gave our youth generally an opportunity, 
which they would not otherwise have enjoyed to acquire 
a knowledge of the higher branches of literature. These 
schools were well and profitably sustained. A number 
of our females enjoyed Miss Mary Lyon's instruction 



21 

while she taught in this vicinity. These various means 
gave a moral and literary elevation to the young in this 
community. And we acquired so much celebrity abroad^ 
that our youth were often sought for as teachers. 

Allow me to state a fact with regard to myself, — not 
with a view to exhibit myself as a model pastor, or as 
better than my brethren, for we all have a perfect pat- 
tern of imitation, and it is better for us to walk in the 
steps of the great Teacher, than in those of fallible erring 
man. The fact that I would state is, that as I believed 
God had assigned ms a field best adapted for me to cul- 
tivate, and had given me favor among this people, that I 
was under peculiar obligation to employ whatever of in- 
tellectual or physical strength I possessed in cultivating it. 

I did not feel that my talents were adapted to a wide 
and conspicuous sphere of. action, but were adapted to 
the people among whom I dwelt. Thus my eye with- 
out any desire for any other field was fixed upon this, as 
the eye of a farmer is upon his own lands. 

My sermons were made with my mind and heart upon 
this moral field. They were made for my own people. 

Though I aimed to avoid every thing personal, yet I 
meant to have my people understand that I was preach- 
ing to them, and that my subjects were chosen to con- 
form to their varied circumstances. I aimed to convince 
the conscience, and enlighten the judgment, rather than 
to excite the passions ; or to move the heart through the 
conscience and judgment. For blind passion is a very 
wayward thing. It leads men we know not whither. I 
may perhaps make an exception to this general remark. 
For a short season, commencing about the year 1830, I 



22 

was so far loosened from mj moorings, by the current of 
excitement which was sweeping through the land, that 
to a considerable extent, I aimed to excite the passions. 
Many of the sermons I then wrote I have ever since 
thought were more fit to be committed to the flames than 
to be preserved. 

Then excitement was the order of the day and was 
carried out, not only to weariness and exhaustion, but 
in some instances, even ad nauseam. But though I say 
these things I have very sensibly felt th'at no one ought 
to have so much of earnestness as the minister in preach- 
ing the gospel. It is the most important message ever com- 
municated to men. It is the message of salvation to the 
soul. And none ought to be so thoroughly convinced of any 
truth, as the minister, of the truth of the gospel, or feel the 
power of any truth so much as the minister, the power of 
the gospel. I pretend not that I have been such a min- 
ister, but I have the consciousness of aiming to be such 
an one. I have felt very sensibly the need of praying 
to be directed to such topics as would administer suitable 
and seasonable truth. And frequently I have not known 
for the time, being why I chose the topics I did choose, 
only in reading the scriptures they made a deep impres- 
sion upon my mind. And I felt the need of much 
prayer in making my sermons. I felt also that to deliv- 
er a sermon with a spirit in conformity to the truth was 
quite as capital a work as the composing of a sermon. 

And after all this is done, it may all be like beating 
the air, unless the blessing of heaven be invoked and 
granted to give effect to truth. These were some of the 
means, so far as I an individual was concerned, that were 



23 

used for the good of this people. In recounting these, 
I am only recounting what God wrought among us^ It 
is remembering the work of his hands, and none have 
cause to glory but in him. 

There were numbers in this church wh6 were very 
sensibly impressed with the necessity of a divine bless- 
ing to give efficacy to the various means that were in 
operation. This is no doubt the experience to some ex- 
tent of every church of Christ ; but it seems to me, 
that in this respect, certainly so far as numbers are con- 
cerned, this church was peculiarly blessed. At some 
periods I have witnessed a fervor, importunity and per- 
severance in prayer, accompanied apparently with great 
humility and strong faith in the power and grace of God 
to an extent that I have never witnessed in any other 
church with which I have been acquainted. And two 
individuals who have removed from this church, and have 
since been united with several churhes, men of experi- 
ence and observation, unsolicited, have decidedly ex- 
pressed the same views. One of those individuals re- 
marked that he never expected this side heaven to 
witness another church so prayerful and so generally of 
one heart and soul as this has been. 

And this unusual spirit of prayer was more exten- 
sively prevalent among females than among the other sex. 
And it was not effected by sympathy or concert, but 
burst forth in members in different parts of the town by 
apparently a simultaneous movement of the Spirit. And 
they were so full of the heavenly theme, that it was the 
delightful topic of conversation in meeting with those of 
kindred spirit, while the great mass of the community 



24 

and a portion of the daurch were sunk down in the un- 
usual slumbers of spiritual death. The burden of im- 
mortal souls pressed heavily upon their hearts. I knew 
individuals who spent nearly whole nights, after the ex- 
ample of our Saviour, in imploring spiritual blessings 
upon this church and community. 

This church was now disposed, without any special 
urging as formerly, to attend to the discipline of offend- 
ers. This was done with great unanimity and evidently 
with a christian spirit, and four more were excommuni- 
cated. 

All the discipUne during my ministry that resulted in 
excommunication were members of this church when I 
was ordained. This is one item among many others to 
show that our Puritan predecessors did not always re- 
quire that evidence of experimental piety for admission 
into the church which would have done much to preserve 
its purity. 

This church were generally active in the sabbath 
school. If numbers of them had not literary advanta- 
ges, yet they seemed to possess spiritual wisdom to dis- 
cern bible truth and impress it upon the conscience and 
heart. There was one movement that eventually took 
place in our sabbath school, honestly it may be but un- 
advisedly, and the results of which were not salutary to 
the soundness and purity of this church, and that was 
the expulsion of the Westminister Catechism. 

This is the best expose of bible truth which ever has 
been made, or as things now are, ever can be made till 
the millenium ; and then perhaps such a formula Avill not 
be needed. Some infiJols ever have declared this to be 



25 

a true exhibition of bible truth, and if they admitted the 
bible to be true, they must admit this formula to be true. 

A praying, active, sound and united church is the best 
assistance a minister can enjoy. Other assistance com- 
pared with this is of but little value. Every church and 
society should endeavor to take care of themselves, while 
they should feel and act as component parts of a great 
world towards which they should exercise a spirit of 
active benevolence and good will. 

This privilege I think I enjoyed in a good degree in 
my connection with this people. They were willing to 
aid their minister and to cooperate with him. Their 
doors were open to admit him, and their families were 
generally in readiness to listen to his instructions. They 
desired generally that their children should enjoy a re- 
ligious training. Thus I had many facilities to do the 
rising generation good ; and I have no cause to regret 
my labors for their good or to feel that they were in vain. 

My own experience has taught me that we may as as- 
Buredly expect a harvest in working in tKe moral as well 
as in the natural field, and that the quantity of this haj> 
vest in both these fields, will ordinarily be proportioned 
to our wise, diligent and persevering industry. God 
does not command us to work in vain. And here I 
would introduce a quotation from a letter I received a 
year since from one who removed from this Town some 
twenty years ago, for the purpose of showing two facts in 
the religious history of this people ; a peculiar venera- 
tion for the christian ministry, and that the early instruc- 
tion of children in this place was attended with a rich 
blessing. 

a 



26 

" I feel," says the writer, a " delicacy in addressing 
one far superior in years ; yet the thought awakens a 
pleasing sensation in my very soul, when I call to mind 
the reverence and, love I had for you in my childhood 
and youth, and has still grown with my years and judg- 
ment ; so that I realize a greater respect than ever be- 
fore. 

I feel that your instructions have been blessed rto me 
in the schoolroom, in the Catechetical department and by 
my father's fireside as vrell as in the sanctuary." This is 
a specimen of similar communications both written and 
verbal which have been made to me. And though this 
is nothing new in the experience of ministers of the gos- 
pel, yet whether I have experienced more or less than 
others of these attestations of success in my ministry, it 
is one source of comfort to me in my declining years 
that I have not wholly lived in vain. Most of my fellow 
helpers here in my ministry are removed, or gone to re- 
ceive their reward ; a few are left behind as a specimen 
of former days. May the Lord preserve them a little 
longer to pray and labor for the blessing of heaven upon 
this community. 

I shall now proceed to give a more detailed account of 
the result of the means which were used among this peo- 
ple. They seemed to meet the approval of the Great 
Head of the church, because they were the means of his 
own appointment and there was no improper interference 
or hinderance to the operation of these means, but con- 
trawise they were accompanied with the prayers of the 
church ; thus acknowledging God as the only efficient 
cause of good. During my pastoral connection with this 



2T 

church of thirty-six years according to the record, there 
were nine seasons of revivals, and 390 were added to 
this church, 251 females and 139 males, and three sea- 
sons during the ministry of my predecessor in which 40 
were added to the church. 

In a little less than 49 years there were 12 season3*of 
revivals, and 430 added to the church. The average 
population of this town during that period was about 900. 
Of the revivals which have been since my removal I 
have no personal knowledge. 

The period to which I have alluded was generally a 
period of prosperity to this church and society. I be- 
lieve there was but one season during my ministry in 
which the deaths much exceeded the common ratio of 
mortality in this community, which was but a fraction 
over one per cent., and then it was less than double the 
common ratio. 

Many of these years were eminently the years of the 
right hand of the Most High. During the first three 
years only four or five were added to the church. Du- 
ring the fourth year there was a revival, and 30 were 
added to the church. The second revival was a season of 
protracted interest extending through the years 1816 — 
17 — and 18, in which 26 were added by profession and 
several by letter. The years 1819 — 20 — 21 were years 
of unprecedented coldness and stupidity in the church as 
a body, and much thoughtlessness and vanity prevailed 
in the community. Bat during most of this period, 
there were a few individuals who had an unusual spirit of 
prayer ; the more they saw the thoughtlessness and stu- 
pidity around them, the more fervent and importunate they 
became in imploring the influences of the Spirit. 



28 

I believe during my whole ministry, I was never more 
faithful in exhibiting truth, and impressing it upon the 
consciences and hearts of my people. It was only how- 
ever for the time being, that but a part of my congre- 
gation appreciated it, yet it was more or less evident that 
it made the consciences of many quite uneasy, and it 
eventually resulted in the settled conviction of that sin- 
ful state, that no veil of unbelief can always conceal. 

It was during this period more especially that much 
time was spent by individuals, and by some nearly whole 
nights, in prayer for the blessing of heaven upon us. 
Most of these are not now alive to testify to these state- 
ments, yet I trust they are rejoicing in that rich grace 
which enabled them to do something for Christ and his 
cause while on earth. 

The third revival during my ministy, called the Great 
Revival, occurred in 1822 and 23. From October 1822 
to October 1823, 121 were added to this church by pro- 
fession, all but eleven of whom had been previously bap- 
tised. This revival not only increased this church in 
numbers, but in spirituality and strength. The general 
tone of religious feeling never before had been so high, 
or so uniform as now. And this state of feeling con- 
tinued without any great abatement for years. The 
fruits then produced and since, proved it preeminently to 
be the work of God. There were unusual efforts made 
to keep the holy fire burning. Very few as far as is 
known have apostatized. Numbers have been burning 
and shining lights in other portions of Zion. Many of 
this number I believe are now in heaven. 

The fourth revival in 1827 was principally in the Branch 
District ; in which an individual female was the pro mi- 



29 

nent instrument, who is still a light in another branch of 
the christian church. In this revival 8 were added to 
the church. This revival was evidently checked ; and 
judging after the manner of men, brought to an untimely 
end by sectarian influence. 

The fifth revival was in 1828, and 23 were added to 
the church. 

The sixth revival was in 1829, and principally con- 
fined to the select school. At this season 8 were added 
to this church, some to the Baptist church, and some to 
churches in other towns. 

The seventh revival was in 1830. As the fruit of 
this, 30 united Avith this church. 

The eighth revival was in 1831. In which year 54 
united with this church. 

The ninth revival was in 1832. At this season 10 
united with this church. These six years, and even the 
four which immediately preceded them were almost an 
uninterrupted period of religious interest. 

The fruit of the last two, owing to a greater amount of 
religious sympathy and less distinctive views of christian 
character was not as genuine as that of former periods. 

This was the acme of our religous prosperity. Our 
sun was then shining in its meridian splendors. Even 
then, however, some could see symptoms indicating a de- 
cline. Our church then had 316 members. At this time 
it contained a few more members than any other in this 
county, and probably in the state according to our pop- 
ulation. Our sabbath school somewhat previous to this 
time numbered 500 or more. The largest I beheve at 
that period in the state, — and there is but one sabbath 
*2 



30 

school now in the state that numbers more than ours then 
did.* Nearly the whole congregation, from the ages of 
four to ninety years, were connected with the school. This 
if I mistake not was the first instance in this state in which 
persons of all ages competent to receive instruction were 
induced to become members of the sabbath school. This 
was brought about by the peculiar state of feeling exist- 
ing in this church and society and the ever memorable 
activity and zeal of a few individuals. 

This school, through the activity and zeal of its super- 
intendents and teachers, the general cooperation of the 
inhabitants and prayers of the church, was, for a number 
of years an instrument of much good to this people. 
This community for a course of ^^ears seemed to live in 
a religious atmosphere, not as pure as that in heaven, 
but as devoid of unhealthy moral elements perhaps as 
we can expect till the inhabitants of this earth shall ex- 
perience a more thorough and general moral renovation. 

The population at this period was a few less than 
1200. This church had then 316 members ; the Bap- 
tist church about 100 ; and other denominations a few. 
Nearly one half of the population of our society werc^ 
professors of religion, and a large majority of the adult 
population. 

More than a third of tl^e population of the town, and the 
majority of its adults were professors of religion. A 
very large proportion of our youth were of this class. 
Thus we had no balls, no junkcttings ; and I believe 
their social intercourse was generally chaste and of an 

* The school connected with the Winlhrop Church in Charles- 
town, which numbers nearly 600. 



31 

elevating character ; in a happy degree free from that 
low, vulgar and even obscene "wit, which had been preva- 
lent to some extent among the young and even among 
those who were not young. A portion of the minority 
of the youth and a few others became an irritated and 
envious class. They partook something of the spirit of 
Cain towards Abel. They seemed not comfortably to 
breathe in an atmosphere of such religious and moral 
influence ; but the better portion of this minority were 
happily modified by this influence. 

During eight or ten years I believe there was no socie- 
ty in this vicinity which contained so large a proportion 
of intelligent youth and who were governed by the prin- 
ciples and morality of the gospel. We were considered 
at this period as rather a model community. But few 
towns I believe, of the same amount of population, have 
sent forth into the world a greater number of the young 
and others, who are, or have been a blessing in the sta- 
tions which they have occupied. In the territory which 
is now Heath, fourteen have had a collegiate education ; 
five others had a collegiate education in part ; one of the 
latter number, was not a native of this town, but was a 
member of this church, and received an important part of 
his religious training in this community. Six who were 
members of this church entered the ministry, and two 
others originated here.* Two of them are foreign mission- 
aries ; three females trained up here, two of them mem- 
bers of this church, are foreign missionaries. Three 
females are or have been teachers in three of the first 
class of Seminaries in our country. Ten femalesf have 

*See Appendix D. f See Appendix E. 



32 

married ministers, two of whom are missionaries, and one 
has married a missionary who was not a minister. 

Among those who received a collegiate education, 
four held the first standing in their respective classes ; 
others held a high standing, and there were none who 
were not respectable as scholars. And some who re- 
ceived only in part a collegiate education were distin- 
guished as scholars. 

Sixteen physicians* ; four lawyers,! one of whom after- 
wards became a minister; one jadge:|: of one of the 
higher courts ; one member of Congress§ ; two editors 
of respectable Periodicals ; two tutors.*^ and three who 
are somewhat distinguished as artists, have been raised 
up in the territory which is now Heath. Some half a 
score, or more, who have removed from this church have 
become officers in the several churches with which they 
have been connected. Members from this church in sev- 
eral instances were a nucleus of other churches, and 
have been somewhat distinguished for their activity in 
promoting christian institutions. 

This church, at the period to which I have alluded 
almost universally contributed to the various benevolent 
institutions of the day. No religious society in the 
county at that period according to their ability gave so 
large an amount. A number of hundred dollars were 
contributed to the Charity Fund of Amherst College. 
Nearly all the lime for the first building was gratuitously 
transported by individuals in this community, and a por- 

*Se"e Appendix F. fSee Appendix G. |Hun. Jonathan Leav- 
itt. ^Tlon. Wm. W. Snow. ^See Appendix H. 



83 

tion of it paid for. One room in that building was 
finished and furnished by ladies in this society. 

This people contributed $1200, to Mount Holyoke 
Female Seminary. And never was money better ex- 
pended. No institutions in our state, or country, or 
world according to the time they have existed and extent 
of their influence, have apparently accomplished so much 
good. No one will ever have occasion to regret that he 
has given his money to these institutions. Amherst 
College has furnished during the 29 years of its exist- 
ence 435 ministers. Of this number are 41 mission- 
aries. It has educated nearly one third as many minis- 
ters as Yale in 151, and Harvard in 215 years; nearly 
two thirds as many as Dartmouth in 82 years ; more 
than two thirds as many as Princeton in 105 ; more than 
Williams in 52 years. A large portion of the present 
ministers in Massachusetts were educated at Amherst. 

The whole number of pupils of Mt. Holyoke seminary 
was in the year 1851, 2568 from twenty states in the 
Union, and from the District of Columbia, Cherokee 
Nation, Canada, Turkey and the Sandwich Islands. 
About 500 have gone through a regular course in this 
seminary. Many hundreds, with a warm, devoted heart 
and an improved intellect, are employed as teachers and 
missionaries in our own land, and numbers in foreign 
lands. A heavenly influence has rested upon both these 
Institutions. 

They have exerted and are exerting a great conserva- 
tive influence in our own and in other lands. Some 
benevolent individuals not only gave liberally of their 
money to these institutions, but their influence and pray- 



34 

ers. They were disposed to aid the seminary, that our 
females might enjoy the benefit of the instructions, given 
by the teacher, so eminent in wisdom and holiness, who 
was at its head. And numbers of them were not only men- 
tally improved, but spiritually benefitted by her labors. 

If I have mentioned some things in which we did not 
excel our neighbors, but they excelled us, I can only say, 
they were a part of our history, and let them pass for 
what they are worth. I will notice one instance ; Ilaw- 
ley, of about the same population, has raised up more 
than double the number of ministers that have been 
raised up here. Some of them are among our most able 
and efficient laborers in the vineyard of the Lord. And 
some others have surpassed us. But as a whole, there 
has been a time in which Heath was not surpassed by 
any of her neighbors. If in some unusual degree this 
community has been blessed, the hand of God may be 
seen in ordering the favorable circumstances and influences 
which have been used as the means of this result. And 
it was certainly unusual, and no less unusual than de- 
lightful in a pojDulation of less than 1200 souls to witness 
a hundred youth of both sexes surrounding the Sacra- 
mental Board, and giving more or less promise of a 
blessing to the world. As a present event, it was pecu- 
liarly exhilerating to christian sensibility ; as a future, 
limited to this life, it possessed an interest of indescrib - 
able importance ; with regard to an unlimited future, we 
were lost in the prospects of the immeasurable blessings 
to be enjoyed. 

Is it not useful to cast our eyes back upon scenes in 
which angels as well as christians rejoiced, and thus re- 



85 

member the years of the right hand of the Most High V 
This is the way to know God, by meditating on the past, 
present and future. And of all knowledge this is the 
most valuable to our well being. 

You may ask, were there no dark shades in this bright 
picture ? Yes some that were truly dark. There was 
some amount of religion and virtue, that was of a nega- 
tive character; some upon whose pathway light has 
shone but to hasten them on in the road to perdition ; and 
some blinded by a false hope may never reach heaven. 

But to the praise of rich grace, there were some 
whose steps even took hold on hell, were evidently made 
the monuments of redeeming mercy. The moral pic- 
ture of every community, in the present condition of the 
world, must be variegated in its colors. • 

There has been as yet no effective power interposed to 
bring every individual into a right moral position. The 
circumstances of their early life, the instructions received, 
the influence of evil example, and bad habits formed, 
render a portion in every society impervious to the salu- 
tary influence of truth. There were always some of this 
class in this town, who had no true regard to ther own 
interests, or to the welfare of our community, and I sup- 
pose a portion of this class still exist here — crooked sticks 
— all the good influences exerted upon them have only 
made them more crooked. 

Some of this class have removed from this place, who 
are, or have been no blessing to the communities where 
they have resided or still reside. But it is believed that 
the hundreds who have removed from this town, espec- 
ially those reared up in Heath's palmy days were gen- 



36 

erally of a very different class. It is rarely that I am not 
gratified in recognizing them, or happy in meeting them. 

Only three, as far as I know, who have removed from 
us, have been prosecuted for criminal offences. And two 
of them removed at a period of life the most susceptible 
of being led away by the power of temptations, and were 
unfavorably situated to receive sound moral instruction 
and to be under good influences. And I believe they 
showed no disposition to persist in these acts, but afford- 
ed some evidence of genuine repentance. The other as 
might be expected from his early training probably 
proved to be reckless. 

The christian and the christian minister and philan- 
thropist should not be discouraged because in some in- 
stances their labors prove a savor of death ; nor for a 
moment harbor the thought that there is not an impor- 
tant connection between means and ends ; moral causes 
and their results. Though our sympathies and moral 
sensibilities are extremely pained to witness a candidate 
for an eternal destiny, madly breaking through all re- 
straints, trampling under foot all the gracious provisions 
of the gospel and shunning the warnings of a long-suffer- 
ing God. Yet if God gives every individual a fair 
chance for salvation, who will say that God is unjust in 
giving up some like Pharaoh to an obstinate and fatal re- 
sistance of his mercy, for an evidently wise and benevo- 
lent purpose. For it docs seem needful in order to a 
complete development of the Divine character and the 
character of his intelligent and moral creation, that 
evil and good should exist in his system. The laws of 
motion and change in matter arc only the operation of 



37 

antagonistic principles, repulsion and attraction ; the cen- 
tripetal and centrifugal ; cold and heat, acids and their 
opposites. 

Our ideas of natural power and force are only the re- 
sult of these antagonistic principles simultaneously act- 
ing upon each other. Thus how could we understand 
the power of virtue, or fully understand its real nature 
and excellence only in antagonism with opposite qualities. 

How wonderfully have the power and skill of the Al- 
mighty been made known and his glory seen in baffling 
and overpowering the combined antagonism of truth and 
righteousness ! 

Who can conceive how this could have been in any 
other system ? And in any other system, who can con- 
ceive how all the attributes of Jehovah could have been 
displayed and so sublimely and sweetly blended and har- 
monized as they are in the great work of redemption ? 

Many of the Christian virtues must have remained dor- 
mant in the Christian's bosom for aught we can conceive 
if they had not been brought into action by antagonism, 
or good and evil in conflict. The martyrdom and suffer- 
ings of Christians from the hands of men, hostile to true 
religion, have done more to make known the excellence 
and power of christian faith, the essence and fountain of 
all true virtue, than all other things combined. The 
good man seeing that no injustice is done to any of the 
subjects of God's moral government, in permitting sin 
and its consequent miseries for wise and benevolent rea- 
sons, can quiet and stay up his mind amid the most ap- 
paling instances of sin and wretchedness this world ex- 
hibits. These dark shades give a greater glory to the 
4 



38 

brighter colors, and reciprocally the brighter give a deep- 
er shade and dishonor to the dark ones, so that virtue 
and vice, religion and irreligion in the way of contrast 
and antagonism stand forth before the eyes of God^s 
moral subjects in their real light, and in their distinctive 
character. 

This phase in the administration of God's government, 
may be a very profitable theme for our meditation, as 
well as that of redeeming mercy. And no facts stand 
out so prominently before the eye of observation to teach 
the wa^'s, and the true character of God. 

Why has this great change come over this once so pros- 
perous community ? This is the course which things have 
taken in this world ; an alternation of prosperity and ad- 
versity. The primitive churches did not long remain in 
their purity of doctrine and practice. And where are 
those churches now ? Present prosperity is no guaran- 
tee for future prosperity, or progress ; for the greatest 
blessings are abused ; the greater the blessings, the 
greater the liablility to abuse, in the present condition of 
our world. 

The fact too, that this population became diminished, 
80 that it now contains more than one third less than its 
former number, would materially operate to bring about 
considerable change ; for removals do not take simply 
those that are bad, but a full proportion of the better part 
of community. 

And mortality seems to take peculiar delight in mak- 
ing some of the choicest portions of society its victims. 
And there was evidently an abuse of God's rich mercies 
to this people. 



We seemed to rejoice in them as though our own 
hand and skill had procured them, and not as the un- 
merited gifts of heaven. Thus the special favor of 
heaven was withdrawn ; and we know that its place is 
ever supplied bj an evil spirit. And that an evil spirit 
did more or less take possession is proved by inspiration 
from the fruits that followed, strife and divisions. 

It would require a broad mantle of charity to cover 
over the workings and conflict of unsanctified feelings and 
cherished prejudices which ensued. It would be dificult, 
if not impossible to give a just and impartial description 
of them. And if it were possible it would be undesira- 
ble and worse than useless so to do. But we should 
keep in rememberance nevertheless, that there is a just 
and impartial record of all these difficulties and their 
complicated causes. 

And is it not our highest wisdom to be prepared to 
meet that record ? 

What will not man, what will not even Christians do 
when left to themselves so as to misaprehend the spirit 
by which they are actuated, not knowing but that they 
are serving God when they are evidently serving another 
master. Upon these dark shades of the picture we may 
profitably fix our eyes to learn lessons of humiliation. 
And we ought so intensely to fix our eyes upon them as 
to feel. By grace we are what we are. If this commu- 
nity has ceased to be a model community upon which 
their neighbors may look for imitation, they may look 
upon it and learn important lessons of wisdom. 

There are many dark shades in the moral picture of 
this world which we are obliged to look upon ; from 



40 

which we learn more and more to appreciate heavenly 
wisdom, and to become more delighted in meditating 
upon him in whom there is no darkness at all ; nothing 
but consummate purity and wisdom and excellence ; all 
that a devout and benevolent heart desires him to be. 

In giving this description of Heath I have more par- 
ticularly dwelt upon its moral and religious history, since 
there is nothing in its natural or civil history separately 
considered of special interest. And facts must show 
whether there be anything of special interest in the more 
particular description I have given of this community. 

I have had the opinion, and have been confirmed in it^ 
by the opinion of disinterested individuals, that there was 
something of special interest in the moral and religious 
history of this town. This was a great motive which in- 
fluenced me to comply with the very kind and respect- 
ful invitation of this church. 

Now the remembrance of the great mercies which 
have been enjoyed by this people should give encourage- 
ment with regard to the future ; for what has been may 
be again. And it is well too, to remember the worm- 
wood and the gall to keep in a humble and lowly condition 
before God, and not forget where our great strength lies. 

Why should you feel discouraged ? Means and ends 
have not ceased to be connected. 

The power of the Mighty Spirit is not exhausted, nor 
the ear of heaven shut against humble believing prayer. 
All moral fields are barren till they are cultivated. And 
there are none that are cultivated that do not bear some 
precious fruit. In natural things we cultivate the ten- 
der plant, not the full grown vegetable ; the little, not the 



41 

towering -wide spread tree. Thus the rising generation 
demands our special moral cultivation. In this work, the 
minister must have the zealous and persevering coopera- 
tion of the parent and the sabbath school teacher. 

The celebrated Xavier may well be imitated in one if 
not in many things. It is related of him, after traveling 
a whole day in India, steeped in rain, when he lay down 
to rest upon the sand in his wet Spanish cloak, he used 
to say to his attendant, if even a little child should come 
to ask him a question at midnight, be sure to awake me ; 
dont let the child go away. But greater than man has 
taught by his own example how we ought to regard little 
children. I have learned from experience and observa- 
tion, that there are but rare exceptions to this scripture 
maxim, Train up a child in the way he should go, and 
when he is old he will not depart therefrom. 

There are some things in the present feelings and sen- 
timents of this people which you will I trust allow me 
freely, but kindly to remark upon. I have often heard 
dissatisfaction expressed in regard to living in Heath. 
We would sell our farms if we could and take our final 
departure from this bleak eminence. Truly this place, 
nor any other in the present state of our globe comes up 
to our beau ideal of perfection. But the same disposition 
that makes one dissatisfied here would eventually, in all 
probability, make him dissatisfied with any other and 
every other place. Those who removed to the far west, 
are in great numbers removing farther west. 

Why, I ask are you dissatisfied with Heath ? In re- 
gard to soil* there are probably more towns in this state 

* See Appendix I. 
4* 



42 

inferior than superior to this. And very few towns in 
this vicinity of the same extent of territory have as 
many good farms as this ; and none where every lot has 
been capable of making a farm, though not of equal 
quality. But ! the long winters ! These keep you 
healthy and vigorous, and give fine opportunity to read 
and think and enjoy domestic comfort. And traveling 
through snow drifts is much more pleasant than travel- 
ing through the deep mud and sloughs of the west. But 
though the winters are somewhat longer than they are 
in some parts of this and two other N. E. states, — Spring 
and Summer always come, and all the more delightful 
because the winters are long. But it is very unpleasant 
to live where there is so much disunion. It is not as it 
used to be here. But there is more or less disunion, or 
the elements of disunion, everywhere in this depraved 
world, and there is no prospect generally of its diminu- 
tion till the overturnings of Providence shall bring about 
a new order of things. But what is the cause of disun- 
ion ? Is it not in ourselves ? Is it not the result of 
giving up the reins to evil desires and passions ; to the 
conflict of selfish interests, and the prevalence of relig- 
ious opinions founded upon something besides the pure 
word of God. This is explicity taught us by inspiration. 

Love will make union in any place. Labor to do each 
other good and to promote the general interests of trutli 
and righteousness, and you will be a united and happy 
people. I greatly rejoice if there is an approximation 
to this state of things. 

I have not found in any other place so happy a state 
of society as I have experienced here. I have felt it 



48 

a great privilege that my lot was cast here ; that I was 
called in the Providence of God to labor in this field, 
and to train up my family on this quiet eminence, away 
from the temptations and bustle of more populous towns. 
I have never heard any who have removed from this 
place express a regret that they were born and trained 
up here, but a contrary sentiment has been expressed. 

Has the glory departed from Heath never to return ? 
It is not profitable to indulge such forebodings. Your 
dissatisfactions and bemoanings are suicidal. Banish 
them, and labor to build up and not pull down. Sustain 
cheerfully the institutions of Christianity, — the props of 
a well regulated society and government. It is out of 
character in any man to show reluctance in this thing. 
Suchj whatever their pretentions may be, if they should 
bear sway, would ruin the prosperity of any religious, if 
not civil society. Honor yourselves, and Heath will hon- 
or you. And if you do not honor yourselves no place 
will reflect lionor upon you. 

Perhaps some present have witnessed things here 
which have led you to doubt the validity of experimental 
rehgion. You have seen conduct in professed christians 
which not only dishonored them, but would be a dishonor 
to any man. 

You have seen great and painful contentions in a com- 
munity who profess to be the disciples of the Prince of 
peace. This is no new thing in the world. Christianity 
though peaceful in its tendency has been the occasion 
of very bitter strife and contention and bloodshed. But 
this is the perversion of it, not its legitimate results. 
Good men even, have been guilty of great offences. 



44 



Abraham and Isaac prevaricated. Rebecca deceived. 
Moses in a season of provocation spake unadvisedly. Da- 
vid committed a great offense. Solomon, according to 
his own showing, was a debauchee and skeptic. The 
reformers, Jehoshephat and Josiah committed great er- 
rors. Peter was ashamed to own his Divine Master, was 
guilty of gross falsehood and perjury. These, however, 
repentc.d of their sins. And there were apostates who 
never truly repented of their sins ; Judas and Simon, the 
sorcerer ; Hymeneus, Philetes, Diotrephes, Alexander and 
many others described by Jude the servant of Jesus 
Christ, as also the man of sin and all anti-christian combi- 
nations. 

But all these offences of good men and false professors 
and apostates have not overset true religion in the world, 
but rather have confirmed it, by fulfilling the declaration 
of Christ in the parable of the sower, and that he came 
not to send peace on earth but a sword. It shows too 
the power and grace of God in preserving it in a world 
where the tendencies to degeneracy and the opposition to 
christian purity are so strong and powerful. And be- 
sides, this state of things is the evident fulfillment of many 
predictions both in the Old and in the New Testament. 
It is even a miracle that it has been preserved in the 
earth, for it is evidently the result of supernatural agency 

Wonderful as it is, the Bible remains the same. Not 
a single truth has been obHterated, nor a single precept 
blotted from this book. The example of Christ there 
stands forth with the brightness of a meridian sun to en- 
lighten and guide this benighted world ; and it is to be 
remembered too, that there has always been and always 



46 

will be a true churcli in the world, a regenerated people, 
to show forth the praises of him who hath called them 
out of darkness into his marvelous light. These lights 
have shone with more or less brightness in every part of 
Christendom. There is no want of a guide to point our 
way to the city of God. 

Indulge not your vain thoughts on this subject, for you 
know in your own hearts and by sad experience, that the 
purity of heaven would aftord you no desirable element 
to live and breath in, without a transformation of charac- 
ter. This is the great law of God's moral kingdom in 
this rebellious province. Ye must be born again, in order 
to see the kingdom of God. 

This is as necessary as to be born at first to live on 
this globe and enjoy its blessings. This is the line of 
deYnarkation between saints and sinners, the heirs of 
heaven and the heirs of perdition. And Christ and him 
crucified is the central power by which this apostate 
world is and will be reclaimed. 

I say then, let not vain thoughts be lodged in your 
minds on this subject. 

Look to your Bibles, to your Saviour and to the re- 
newing spirit, procured by the cross ; and here you will 
find the true life, the true peace, and real salvation ; and 
you will find these blessings, which you infinitely need, 
no where else. 

But alas ! I am fearfully apprehensive that the Bible, 
yes the Bible, that sacred book, which has the seal of 
heaven upon it, is by numbers almost entirely neglected, 
and by some considered not as the inspiration of the Al- 
mighty, or if admitted, as only partially inspired ; to be 



46 

received or rejected as suits their convenience or their 
philosophy ; or if admitted as true, yet considered as an 
ancient and rather an obsolete book, so contrary to the 
popular taste and sentiments and customs, that its teach- 
ings, in this age of progress, are not much to be regar- 
ded. It is marvelous that those who have read the Bible, 
or had it before them for their inspection all their days, 
should have such views of this sacred book ! 

These views and acts are virtually rejecting the word 
of God and setting everything afloat without regard to 
truths the most important for man to know and believe. 
The Bible thus viewed, we have no unerring standard to 
test our opinions, or solve our doubts. 

And what influence can the word of God thus viewed 
have to save our souls, or direct our course through the 
darkness of this depraved world ? For it is God's own 
appointed means of salvation ; and so obscured is the 
light within us by reason of depravity, it is the only light 
that can safely guide us in our journey to another world. 

To cast away this lamp of heaven is as consummate 
folly and madness, and as perilous as for the navigator to 
cast away his anchor, his chart, his compass and all his 
nautical instruments, thinking to guide his ship through 
the pathless deep, and wide expanse of waters by his 
own reason and imagination. 

Dear hearers, m\\ any of you persist in such a peril- 
ous and reckless course? What ! throw away the Bible 
merely because its truths and denunciations often give 
you pain, for you can have no other reason. 

Would you wish the bright luminary of heaven blotted 
out, because its summer rays scorched you, and be in- 



47 

volved in uninterrupted night ? Ah no ! It is our high- 
est wisdom and interest for time and for eternity to be 
instructed and guided by this sacred book ; and cordially 
and thankfully to receive the salvation which it proffers 
without money and without price. 

It should be kept in due rememberance, that the prop- 
er observance of the sabbath is a very important means of 
securng a heavenly inheritance. It takes the thoughts 
and affections from earthly pursuits, cares and pleasures 
and fixes them on things above. It suggests topics of 
contemplation which give an elevation and spirituality to 
the human character. Peculiar blessings are promised to 
the due observance of this day. 

Can there be an eminent christian who does not duly 
observe this day of sacred rest ? Or do the lovers of 
pleasure who make the sabbath a season of recreation 
and amusement give any evidence that they are purify- 
ing and strengthening their moral feelings and principles ; 
or give hopeful prospects, that they will enjoy an eternal 
sabbath of rest in heaven ? 

In a town near the Red Sea oijce inhabited by Jews, 
history relates* that because they went a fishing on the 
sabbath, the old men were changed into swine, and the 
young men into monkies. This to be sure was fabulous. 
Though the desecration of the sabbath does not actually 
make old men swine ; yet like swine it makes them grov- 
elling ; it besmears them with the filth and pollution of 
earth. And though it does not actually make young 

* Irvig's History of Mohamed, 



48 

men monkies, yet like monkies it makes them foolish and 
vain, and frivolous. The due observance of the sabbath 
has been a great blessing to the world, and the desecra- 
tion of it, a great curse. 

The former is an index of moral elevation and spiritual 
progress ; the latter of declension. 

Your ancestors were a law abiding people. They had 
no sympathy with Shay's rebellion, nor with the moboc- 
racy which shut the door of the sanctuary against an ac- 
credited minister of the gospel. It will be well to look at 
their example in this day when there is an unusual ten- 
dency throughout the earth for every man to make his 
own will, the law. This is individualizing the human 
family. For there can be properly no society ; certainly 
no good society and government, unless the will of the 
individual is subservient to the will of the many. As an 
ordinary course of action we should submit to the powers 
that be ; that is, make no open and forcible resistance, 
even to that which we cannot approve. 

Neither have we a right to disobey, unless a special 
commission or positive statute of God intervene. 

Some, who have preceded you, have made considerable 
sacrifice to promote temperance. For twenty years there 
has been no license here to sell alcohoUc drinks. Let 
not the present temperance law be resisted here, but re- 
ceive the warm response of your efforts to sustain it. 
For I trust you will find nothing in this law to ofiend your 
consciences, or to do any serious harm to your persons, 
to your property, or to the cause of true liberty. And 
I hppe it may prevent a great deal of evil. 



49 

May the present Heath eclipse the former Heath by su- 
perior well doing. During half a century, Heath has had 
its full share of prosperity. In fifty-four years it had 
only two ministers. In thb remaining thirteen years it ' 
has had five ministers — all sound in doctrine, and respec- 
table in attainments, talents and character. The church 
numbers 126. Diminution 190. The sabbath school 
numbers 154. Diminution more than 200. Though things 
have taken a wrong direction, it may be far otherwise. 

It may not be improper in conclusion, in brief to say, 
that my history is the history of one who has enjoyed and 
still enjoys very great mercies. I have also been a 
man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And in the 
fulness of my experience I can say. It is good to be af- 
flicted. 

Perhaps I may be allowed, as well as other men, to 
state my position. 

Having learned by long experience, that the opinions of 
the greatest and best of men are not infallible, I have 
labored not to be a mere traditionary theologian, though 
I would avail myself of the wisdom and experience of 
the past. 

Thus I have endeavored to gather up my theology 
from the writings of inspired prophets and apostles and 
from the personal teachings of him who spake as never 
man spake ; interpreting these writings according to the 
■common principles of interpretation ; receiving implicitly 
the testimony of God without human conjecturings, or fan- 
cies of human philosophizing. And it is my purpose stead- 
fastly to adhere to the testimony of God, let the world, 
•or even christians, believe and philosophize as they may. 



50 

And I can say without any misgivings, that these 
truths which I have gathered from the word of God and 
have preached to my respective people and others, are 
the foundation of my hopes and consolations in my near 
approach to the world of spirits. 

On this platform, if my heart were as sound as my 
creed, I should have no fears in meeting the opening 
scenes and results of a coming Judgment. I would how- 
ever concede the right of private judgment, to be en- 
joyed without annoyance ; except what necessarily results 
from the exhibition of truth, and I wish from others the 
same indulgence. 

I profess to be a liberal man, but I do not believe 
any man to be a good man, a philanthropist, a patriot, 
or sound in principle, because he professes to be, unless 
the general facts in his history sustain such a profession. 
Neither have I very much confidence in human endorse- 
ments of individuals or collective bodies, or in any writ- 
ten vindications. In spite of every device, every one 
will eventually stand or fall on the well known and gene- 
ral facts in his history. 

If we would enjoy the blessing of the esteem and con- 
fidence of our fellow men, that shall live Avhile we live, 
and shall Hve when we die, we must labor to deserve 
them. And these facts must be known, to know who 
should be the objects of our esteem and confidence. Lib- 
eral as I profess to be, I have no sympathy with that liber- 
ality which seems cheerfully to tolerate everything but 
stern Bible truth and a straight forward, consistent 
christian deportment. In this imaginative age there 
are those who think they see the dawnings of a Millennial 



51 

day, and to be ushered in, almost without a cloud ; not 
willing to have much of the dark shades of scripture 
prophecjings inwrought into the fancy picture. With 
these views I have no sympathy. I believe there is no 
twilight of this day yet seen, though there may be some 
morning star shining. 

If scripture prophecies have any meaning, there will 
be deeper shades of darkness than ever have been seen, 
before the Millenial sun will shoot up its radiance in the 
East. 

A national convertion must precede a real millenium. 
But where is the nation, as a nation, that is actually ap- 
proximating to christian truth and purity, or gives now 
the evidence that it will soon become the kingdom of 
Christ ? 

But I must close. To my audience I give much thanks , 
and to my friends in Heath, for their kindness and re- 
spect to their former pastor. The Lord cause his face 
to shine upon you and bless you and your present pastor. 
May he live and die with you. And I could heartily 
wish, that those who have differed and still differ from 
me in doctrine, with whom I have ever had pleasant in- 
tercourse, may become not only almost, but altogether 
such as I am, except my practical errors. My enemies, 
if I now have any, I forgive. I anticipate with pleasure, 
meeting many to whom I have preached, and those with 
whom I have been a fellow laborer, in that world of light 
and joy, where we shall talk over with greater clearness 
of apprehension and delight, the works, and ways, and 
truths of God, and forever praise the riches of his love 
aud mercy. 



MUSIC. 

ORI€fINAL HYMF.. 

In thine earthly courts, our Fathe?, 

We a throng, have met to-day ; 
And with grateful hearts renewing 

Mem'ries of each trodden way. 
Thy rich grace has brought us onward, 

We a church would praise thy name ; 
As thy people, thou hast led us, 

Now by cloud, and now by flame. 

Many years of rain and" sunshine, 

Have passed o'er thy servant's head,^ 
Since he came, a youthful whatchman, 

Zion's holy walls to tread. 
Was he not, among us, faithful 

To the charge which thou hadst given ? 
Warned he not, and wept, and pointed, 

Erring ones to Cferist and Heaven? 

Truly, here, this under shepherd. 

Thou didst smite with sovereign hand. ; 
Loving ones thou hast transplanted 

To that better, brighter land. 
She who watched, but never fainted, — 

Strength and joy to manhood's pride, 
Sleeps afar, where, green, the locust 

Bendeth o'er his youthful bride. 

Thin the ranks, and few the number. 

Here we stand, the flock he fed ; 
Some in other lands are toiling. 

More are numbered with the dead. 
Ble?s, dear Lord, the faithful heralds, 

Wheresoe'r their lot is cast, 
" Mid the shoutings of the harvest,'^ 

Let them see thy face at last. 

Life, — how swiftly, it is passing, 

Old and young both haste away ; 
Mourning hearts are ever beating, 

Vacant seats are seen to-day. 
Lamb of God ! Thou blessed SaviouFj 

In thy Father's house above, 
Let thy church at last all gather. 

And sit down in perfect lovo. 



ilFTERNOON EXERCISES. 



At the close of the services of the morning, there was a 
recess of one hour, for the purpose of taking refreshment 
provided for the occasion, and the interchange of friendly 
greetings ; when the audience again repaired to the meeting 
house where, under the inspiration of the occasion, remarks 
were made by several individuals, which were interspersed 
with singing by the choir. 

As introductory to what was to follow, the President of 
the day — the present pastor of the church — remarked much 
as follows : 

What is it, my friends, that renders this occasion of such 
interest as to bring together so many kindred hearts, both 
old and young, not only from this and adjoining towns, but 
from distant homes? It is the privilege that is once more 
afforded you of greeting the man who stood as the messen- 
ger of God to this people for many years, under whose min- 
istry not a few of you grew up ; whose interest and labors 
in your behalf you cherish in your grateful recollections. 
A little more than forty-eight years ago our honored Father 
came to this place in the opening of his manhood, girded 
for his Master's service; and in the incessant toils of thir- 
ty-six years as the minister of this people, proved himself 
by the blessing of God^ to be a workman that needeth not 
to be ashamed. After an absence of twelve years he has 
returned, to review with us the history of other days ; — a 
befitting occasion this, to draw together those who lived un- 

*5 



54 

der his ministry, and shared in its benefits, and those too 
who love Zion. 

Speak then, brethren and friends, freely of the things in 
which we feel a common interest, and which the occasion 
suggests. 

The following sentiment was then given : 

Theopliilus ; literally translated ^ the friend of God ; and 
hence the friend of our enterprize : — to which Rev. The- 
ophilus Packard, Jr., of Shelburne, responded. 

I know not, Mr. President, why I am first called lo ad- 
dress the assembly this afternoon, unless'it be, that I have the 
best name of any present. Theophilus — friend of God, To 
be ourselves friends to God and to enjoy his friendship, i? 
the highest style of man. To cherish supreme love to him 
is our reasonable duty. The infinite excellence of his char- 
acter, the perfect rectitude of his government, and the nu- 
merous mercies he bestows upon us, especially the great gift 
of his beloved Son to be our Savior, impose upon us the 
unchangeable obligation to love the Lord our God with all 
our heart. And it is an occasion of thanksgiving, that he 
has promised his special friendship to all who become his 
sincere friends. " I love them that love me." 

The occasion to-day is verily " owr enterprize." We all 
have an interest in it. All of us present, old and young, 
the people of Heath and friends from abroad, parishioners 
and ministers, claim it as our enterprize. We cordially ap- 
prove it — we expect to be profited by it. We congratulate 
our venerable and reverend friend, in being permitted and 
enabled to address us to day, after a pastorate of thirty-six 
years among this people. 

A friend of God must be friendly to such an occasion as 
this. It is a religious occasion. Here we worship God. 



55 

We express our respect for old age. " Thou shall rise up 
before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man." 
We honor the Gospel ministry, and venerate the farthfut 
servant of Christ, who has spent his life in doing good to hi* 
fellow men. ** Let the elders that rule well be counted wor- 
thy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word 
and doctrine." The influence of this occasion, we trust, 
will be god like in attaching us more strongly to the institu- 
tions of the Christian religion, and in promoting the spirit 
of piety in all our hearts. 

Taking a lively interest in this uncommon and laudable 
occasion — and desirous that the best gifts may be laid upon 
the altar during the short space alloted us this afternoon — • 
I will cheerfully do the best I can, by saving the time for 
those who are to succeed me. 

On the announcement of the following : 

The Pulpit — the Preacher'' s Throne^ the People's Safety: 
— The Rev. A. Foster, of Cliarlemont, said that he had 
been furnished with the following extract from the records 
of the society. *' At a town meeting, April 7, 1788, Asaph 
White made the following proposal, viz : that he will fur- 
nish the meeting house to the town's acceptance, and that 
he will do the work as fast as the town will pay him, and 
that he will receive the following articles for pay, viz.: 
neat cattle, swine, sheep, beef, pork, grain, flax, flaxseed, 
hides, beans, pea», oats, and boards suitable for the meet- 
ing house." (See town records, p. 33.) The white pine 
boards, for the pulpit and pews, were furnished by Benja- 
min Maxwell, at $5,00 per thousand. 

I hold in my hand a pannel of this- Old Pulpit, which 
has in itself an interesting history. It was found stowed 
away in an out building, where It had lain for eighteen years, 



56 

and has now re-appeared among the children of its own 
people, like some old veteran of eighty, to receive its last 
honors. This Pulpit commences its history while the States 
were without a union in government, while our glorious 
constitution was maturing, and the year before Washington 
became President. It has seen only the prosperity of our 
country, and that prosperity excelling every other in the 
history of nations. For a full quarter of a century its own 
prosperity and influence as the throne of a most successful 
Pastor, probably equalled that of any other pulpit surround- 
ed by a community of twelve hundred people, or estimating 
the success by the numbers of people. The sermon of the 
morniF»g indicates the power of this pulpit — very happy in 
arrangement, clear, concise, forcible in language, tender 
and devout in spirit, after the gospel pattern in doctrine. 

This pulpit, like others, stood high above the pews, so 
high as to overlook and overshadow them ; but in the 
change of things coming down to our times, the pulpit also 
has been cut down, and the pews are now almost as high and 
aspiring to be above the pulpit, or more truly the pulpit is 
being reduced under the pew's. In this particular too 
greal! a change is not to be commended as an improvement. 
The point of depression is now reached from which the 
pulpit should rise to a suitable elevation in the symmetry of 
the churches. 

This mountain pulpit of Heath is a beautiful representa- 
tive of the American pulpits. Their mission and their in- 
influenee have been onward. From the Pilgrim landing to 
the pressnt moment there has been unhesitating confidence 
rn the power of the Pulpit. Nearly all the other great suc- 
cesses of our country have had their times of uncertainty. 
So had the Revolution. So had the forming of the Fed- 
eral Union. So has commerce, and internal improvements. 



57 

So has the value of the lands and their products. All these 
have passed through times of hazzard and uncertainty. 
But the American Pulpit has passed through no such times 
of uncertainty. As to the power and utility of the pulpit 
the people of America have never hesitated. They have 
never looked upon the pulpit as an experiment. For they 
have every moment felt, that there is no other spot on Amer- 
ican soil, no other monument to the glory of man or of 
God, no other organization or gathering of the people, on 
which rests the presence, the power and the love of God 
as upon the pulpit. 

The Pulpit is the people's safety. I noticed while in 
France that the power of the pulpit has been superceded by 
ceremonies of the Priesthood, and the world sees what 
the French People are coming to. I noticed in the English 
Episcopacy a decline in the power of the pulpit, a long 
service, and a short sermon, on which the Preacher has 
spent little time and less thought, and still less heart. I 
noticed among the Dissenters, long sermons, strong in 
thought and ardent in emotion, and their hearers are the 
great progressive reforming power of England. 

In our country it is the pulpit that stimulates the thoughts, 
quickens the national conscience, moves the heart, gives 
life to every good thing, and casts the blight of death upon 
every evil thing. 

I have been thinking all the morning, what Heath would 
have been this day without the pulpit — this old Pulpit. 
What a different people in morals, social habits, the sabbath, 
all temporal interests, your farms, the make of your clothes, 
and your very countenances, and especially in all the work- 
ings of your thoughts and hearts to-day. What a changed 
people ! 

And then think of the many sons and daughters of 
Heath, whose homes and influence are in every part of our 



58 

country. And let us not think that this pulpit is confined to 
the earth. It has gone up to heaven and will have its place 
and its influence around the throne of the Redeemer. The 
very image of this old pulpit, impressed upon the minds of 
those who were receivinof the words of saving grace, in the 
impressible repenting and believing times of their souls, 
will be carried up and remembered in heaven, and is there 
already. You who have believed will meet your pastor and 
his pulpit in heaven. O, how engraven on my memory is 
every color and angle in that old pulpit on which the eye of 
ray childhood looked in years of long sermons. 

"We will now open the '' 3Iagazine'' for Mothers and 
the "Museum'' for Boys." To this, Rev. S. T. Allen, of 
New York City, Editor of the periodicals named, and a na- 
tive of this town, said, 

Mr. Chairman : — I suppose the motto just read is in- 
tended to call me out and I am hnppy to respond to the call. 
But I shall not confine myself, as others who have spoken 
before me have done, to my motto. I do not wish to speak 
on an occasion like this because of my connection with the 
press, or with the periodicals indicated. I have a better 
claim and a more urgent motive. I wish to speak as a son 
of Heath — to better the feelings of a filial heart. This is 
my native town ; and to-day I feel proud to say that here, 
among these hills, I was reared. I come here to greet you 
as fathers and brethren, to congratulate you upon the hap- 
py occasion which has brought us together and to partici- 
pate in its festivities. 

When I heard that our venerable father and former pas- 
tor — at the end of nearly half a century since his first com- 
ing here, was about to return to visit the scences of his 
ministry — take by the hand the members of his flock and 
with them review the scenes of the past, I felt that I must 



59 

be here ; and I have left my home at a time when it was 
most inconvenient to leave and have traveled far on purpose 
that I might be present. I am glad that I came. I have 
been compensated ten fold. It is good thus to come togeth- 
er and unfold the venerable records of our father's history 
and to trace the progress of events from their small begin- 
nings to the pleasing results which have followed. 

We have been permitted, once more to listen to the 
voice of our venerable teacher, and I desire here publicly 
to express to hira our high appreciation of the value of his 
instructions and the faithfulness of his labors, while he was 
among us. I know that I utter the universal sentiment of 
us all, when I say we cherish for him a sincere affection — 
that we feel grateful for the kind providence that has thus 
far lengthened out his days ; and that we invoke on him the 
blessings of a peaceful old age and the rich rewards of a 
faithful ministry. 

His ministry here was eminently successful. The church 
became large and prosperous and the town attained an hon- 
orable celebrity. He has told us that the early settlers of 
the town were intelligent, industrious, law-abiding and re- 
ligious; and I cannot but hope that this review of their 
lives and labors may have the effect to stimulate in the pres- 
ent inhabitants a higher appreciation of the susceptibilities 
of this tow«. 

Of late years its population has been reduced. But let 
it be remembered that it is mainly by colonies who have 
gone to establish other churches and to do good else- 
where. In an agricultural point of view the town is now 
passing through a crisis. The richness of the virgin soil 
has been exhausted, as is generally true of the hill towns of 
Western Massachusetts; but good husbandry will restore it 
in process of time; and all these towns so healthful in lo- 



60 

cation and so beautiful in scenery will sustain a larger pop" 
ulation than ever before and better reward the labor of the 
husbandman. 

As I was on my way to this place of meeting this morn- 
ing and caught a view of the deep mountain gorge that de- 
scends from the western part of the town to the valley of the 
Deerfield, and of the surrounding hills with their beautiful 
farm houses nestled on their sides, I thouo-ht that the most 
romantic portions of vScotland could not furnish a view 
more delightful. I believe that a comparison would not 
show us to be inferior in anything but a history. We can- 
not speak of classic associations or of great and heroic 
achievements; but it remains for you who dwell hereto 
give this place a history by aspiring to high aims and en- 
acting great and good deeds. 

It is not a fertile soil or splendid dwellings ; it is not fine 
villages or great wealth that make a town ; — it is me?i, men 
high mind<ed and patriotic — men intelligent and noble ; 
they make a town. And whether they live on the barren 
crags of Scotland or the bleak hills of New. England they 
will command the respect and approval of the world. 

I hope this occasion will not pass by without having its 
effect in stimulating in every citizen of the town a higher 
appreciation of the excellency of this location and of its 
unlimited capabilities. T would that this might be a start- 
ing point of progress and that we might mark it by some 
visible act. Let us perpetuate the remembrance of this 
tlay — let us publish the instructive historical discourse to 
which we have listened — let us collect and preserve other 
historical facts before they have all perished from the mem- 
ory of the older citizens who are fast passing away. 

I would that by some more palpable outward act we 
might perpetuate the resolutions and purposes to which 



61 

ihis day has given birth. If it were practicable I would 
propose that each should plant a tree to stand as a memori- 
al in future years — to grow and shed its leaves near by the 
graves of our fathers and witness to future generations that 
we love our native place and invoke on it all blessing. 

We shall not all meet again in this world. We go hence 
to our different and distant homes to enact our individual 
history — to instamp our impress upon this world and then go 
to our account in the next. I cannot better close than in 
the words of the poet with slight alterations — 

When the dreams of life are fled, 
When its wasted lamps are dead, 
When in cold oblivion's shade, 
Beauty, power and fame are laid, 
Where immortal spirits reign, 
There may we all meet again. 

The next topic introduced was — 

" The Mountain Shepherd of thirty-six years :^^ — to which 
Rev. A. B. Smith, of Buckland, replied nearly as follows : 

In these days of ministerial changes, it is anhonor to have 
been the pastor of the same church for thirty-six years. 
The instances are rare in which a minister remains so long 
a time among his people. It is true we occasionally hear 
of a minister's preaching his half century sermon, but such 
cases are few, and few there are who remain for a period 
of thirty-six years ministering to the same people. 

God has honored the ministry of his aged servant in this 
place. The numerous revivals which accompanied his 
preaching during those thirty^six years are evidence of this. 
God has highly honored him by thus making him the in- 
strument of so much good, and he has highly honored this 
place by giving it such a ministry. The remarkable dis- 
plays of God's saving power among this people in connec- 
tion with the labors of their former pastor have invested 
6 



62 

this place with a kind of sacredness. There are many in- 
teresting and sacred associations connected with this place. 
There are such among the people of my charge, and the 
scenes of the past, connected with this place, are still re- 
membered and spoken of with interest. This place was 
the first of all, in this immediate vicinity, that erected a 
house of worship, and it was from among the ancestors of 
my present charge, that those pious women came on foot, 
waded through the river, and ascended these heights of 
Zion to worship God in that ancient sanctuary before it 
was moved to this place. Truly this has been an honored 
place, for it has been honored by the presence of such de- 
voted and self-sacrificing worshippers, and God has honored 
it by the bestowment of his blessing in connection with a 
faithful ministry. I do not wonder that one of the sons of 
Heath, who has preceded me, said that he felt it was an hon- 
or to have had his birth place here. It is an honor to have 
been born and to have lived in a place so full of sacred in- 
terest — a place which God has so highly honored with such 
a ministry and with such displays of his gracious power. 
Such a ministry for so long a period cannot fail of making 
a deep and abiding impression on a people. I know this 
from my own experience among the people of my charge. 
The first pastor* of that church, although his ministry did 
not continue for so long a period as thirty-six years, for he 
died and was buried among them, yet he made an impres- 
sion on that people which lasts to this day. It cannot be 
otherwise than that such" a ministry here for so long a pe- 
riod should make a lasting impression. 

In view of the honor which God lias put upon this place, 
how should this people be stimulated to activity and zeal in 

* Rev. Josiah Spaulding was pastor of ihc church in Biickland 
about twenty-nine years, from 17'J4 to 1823. 



63 

their exertions that its former character may be sustained, and 
that it may yet he all that it has been, and even more. What 
though you have a more severe climate and a less fertile 
soil than many other places, and cannot furnish so large an 
amount of the products of the earth? Yet you can furnish 
men and women, trained up here for the service of God, 
and prepared to bless the world, and this is an export of 
far greater value than all the commodities of earth. 

You have now listened to your former pastor, probably, for 
the last time. He is now nearly four score years of age ; he 
is now laying aside his armor ; his work will soon be done, 
and he will be gathered to his fathers. Let his last words 
to you sink deep into your hearts, and make an impression 
that shall never be effaced. 

In respect to him, there is one thing which we could have 
desired. It is that he might have remained here to the 
present time, the senior pastor of this church and people, 
that here he might spend his remaining days in the bosom 
of his own spiritual family, and here die, and have his grave 
among the people for whom he has prayed and labored, and 
from this place, so full of interest to him, go up to receive 
his glorious reward. 

Rev. J. Eastman, of West Hawley, replied to the fol- 
lowing : — " A godly people the secret of ministerial suc- 
cess." 

Mr. President : — Our venerable father, with his charac- 
teristic modesty, has told us that one grand means of his min- 
isterial success was the character of the people, who dwelt 
here fifty years ago. Such an eulogy should be written in 
letters of living light, that all posterity may read. A godly 
people the secret of ministerial success. This truth should 
be inscribed on the door-posts of the sanctuary. Here is. 



64 

the vital blood, which warms the heart, flows through all 
the veins and gives life to the minister. This Paul, and 
his illustrious compeers felt, when he said to the saints at 
Thessalonica, " Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." 
More than intimating, that, if a pastor has not the sym- 
pathies, the prayers, the co-operation of his people, he 
could scarce be expected to live. 

When that aged divine, in the flower of his youth, came 
to this place, he was very highly esteemed in love for his 
work's sake. In due time, he took one of the daugliters of 
the land : " Her price was far above rubies ; for she did him 
good and not evil all the days of her life." Here was their 
first love — for each other, and for all the flock over which 
the Holy Ghost had made him overseer. Then the secret 
of God was upon their tabernacle. When the ear heard 
the under-shepherd, then it blessed him; when the e3'e saw 
him, it gave witness unto him. In his presence, the young 
men refrained from talking and " the aged rose and stood." 
When he spoke the fathers held their peace; for he was 
** the messenger of the Lord of hosts." In the solemn as- 
sembly, his words were sweeter than honey ; and when he 
led their devotions, all the congregation stood before the 
Lord. In the closet, at the family altar and in the meeting 
for prayer, the pastor was on their hearts. Along these 
streets and hill-sides were Aarons and Hurs and mothers in 
Israel, " who prayed to God always." And, however much 
they loved the gospel, they were not unmindful, that this 
treasure was in an earthen vessel — a man like one of them. 
Hence when an arrow pierced his heart, they felt the wound. 
In short, that people were doers of the word. 

With solemn and intense interest we have, this day, lis- 
tened to some of the results of such sympathy and co-ope- 
ration. For a succession of years the Lord poured upon 



65 

this vineyard an uninterrupted shower of holy influence, 
" like water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry 
ground." That old sanctuary, with its square pews, spa- 
cious gallery and not unfrequently extra seats in the aisles, 
was literally pressed with worshippers. Much of the so- 
lemnity and instruction of the sabbath was carried through 
the week. Like Abraham, the father commanded his chil- 
dren and his household after him. 

In those days, there went up from these heights of Zion, 
a great light ; and the people that walked in darkness saw 
it. The Isles of the Pacific saw it ; and the degraded 
Hindoos. It shone upon the Holy Land and upon the 
bleeding tribes of Africa. It is believed that, in all the 
circuits of his glorious way, that sun shone upon no brighter 
•spot. 

But where are now those praying fathers? those wrest- 
ling mothers? few remain to grace this festival. Those 
loved ones, who used to breast the mountain storms, to meet 
the solemn countenance of their pastor in the sanctuary, 
*' rest from their, labors." Those tremulous bodies, those 
often weary, aching heads, now sleep low in the dust and 
silently wait the resurrection of the just ; — but those holi/ 
souls, that used to contend with principalities and powers, 
have gone, with their palms of victory, to higher and wider 
fields of usefulness, " To shine as the brightness of the 
firmamenjt and as the stars forever and ever." 

God hath said, ** Instead of thy fathers shall be thy chil- 
dren ; whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth." 
Such is the fact, and such the promise. All the solemn 
interests of this church, this toAn, its fields, its flocks, its 
herds, its dwellings, — all in other hands. Temporal re- 
sponsibilities rest on other shoulders. And there must they 
remain, until you also, lie beneath the sods. From this 
*6 



6Q 

mountain house issued streams, extending to all nations. 
Broader and deeper will they flow, till the rivers of God 
shall water the whole earth. If these translucent streams 
could enrich so far, while yet, ministers rode on saddle-bags, 
and scattered their words with the slow pace of the com- 
mon Post; what should be done, when men pass through 
the land by the strength of fire ; and send forth their great 
thoughts on the wings of lightning? This foot-stool, on 
which we roll, is becoming a vast whispering gallery. Be 
not surprised if, in a little time, a movement of the lips in 
Heath, is heard upon the Himmelah mountains. To-day, 
confident arrangements are making, by which a touch of 
the Jingtr shall speak to the inhabitants beyond the seas. 
Then, who will dare to say what, fifty years hence, will be 
matters of history? 

If Heath has not made princes ; the power of her proph- 
ets is felt in all the earth. The blessings of multitudes, 
ready to perish, have come upon her sons ; and her daughters 
have caused many a widow's heart to sing for joy. Then, 
what may she do in time to come ? 

That victor, in a thousand battles, is now ungirding his 
harness to join the glorious army of conquerors. Venera- 
ble Father : — It is indeed a very great privilege to see your 
face to-day, and hear the words of your lips. To behold 
the countenance of no other living man would give me 
greater joy. When I was born you were in the ministry. 
Though but a fraction of a year passed, between your en- 
tering this high and holy work, and my commencing an 
eternal existence. Full fifty years have you been entrusted 
with the gospel of Christ. With what success, I could not 
now lisp a word, if your limbs and lips were not already 
withered for the grave. For twenty years, it has been my 
settled conviction, that in proportion to the number of his 



67 

charge, no minister of Christ has been more highly honored 
of God than you ; and no pastor has met more souls at the 
table of his Savior giving so good evidence that they were 
his disciples. The Lord also gave unto you a wife and 
nine children. Six of whom, with their mother, sleep you 
confidently trust, in Jesus ; while those who remain, you as 
confidently trust, are preparing for the same 



•'blessed sleep, 



From which none ever wakes to weep." 
Then how blessed, above fathers, hast thou been. But 
soon, very soon, are you going to your family, to your peo- 
ple, to the great congregation of the good ; and, what is in- 
finitely more than ail, to Christ your eternal and adorable 
Savior. What greetings will you soon experience beyond 
the flood of death ! However painful to us, the moment 
your work is done, your discipline ended, we bid you go, 
with your crown and your harp, fulfill your eternal blissful 
work, a king and a priest unto God in that lofty world. Go, 
cast your crown at the Savior's feet and give to Christ the 
glory. 

In view of the momentous results of a preached gospel 
upon beings forming a character for an eternal state of ex- 
istence, how should this dear people gather around the man,* 
whom you have chosen to minister for God. With what 
affection for him and for each other, what love of the truth 
and Ordinances of Christ, what steadfastness, what zeal^ 
what prayer, what fidelity in every good work should you 
encourage the heart and strengthen the hands of your pas- 
tor. Then, he strong and do it. Could your fathers send 
such streams of light and healing waters, so far into the 
deep pollutions of Pagan night, then, " Only be thou strong 
and of good courage," and this zion shall arise and put on 
her beautiful garments. From the family altar, the social 



68 

circle, pray, that it may please the sufferer of Calvary, yet 
to send abroad from this sanctuary flames of light and sal- 
vation, as much more abundant than those from the former, 
as facilities are now multiplied for speaking to the kingdoms 
and the nations that walk in darkness. Then, when you 
are gone the '* way of all the earth," another tongue will 
arise and declare to your children what wonders the Lord 
wrought in the days of their fathers. 

" The family cnid school; the two mixiliaries of the 
Church to t?'nin the id arid for earth and Heaven y — To this 
sentiment the Rev. W. A. Nichols, of Brookfield, responded 
substantially as follows. 

Mr. President : — I have not the honor to have been a 
native of Heath ; and yet I have obtained a birthright to 
stand among her privileged sons to-day; siiice the larger 
half of myself, and that half on the better side of me, is 
more nearly related to the principal part of this occasion 
than any other present. 

I come up, sir, at the announcement of your sentiment, 
to tell you that I live in a school house, at the head of a 
numerous family. Indeed, so intimately associated are the 
two words, in our minds, that they form one compound 
whole. A Sovereign hand has brought me down from the 
pulpit, and I am happy to work in this lower sphere, in the 
school and the family, where I endeavor to lay, to some ex- 
tent, the essential foundations, for the success of the pulpit. 
Though much lower than the pulpit, yet I legard the family 
a very important field of labor ; for, wherever an edu- 
cation may receive its finish, it certainly must commence 
in the family, and, in its progress upward, must pass through 
the school. In giving a definition of an education in its 
comprehensive sense, we might say in the language of math- 



69 

ematics : There is given, — an embryo body with nerves and 
bone and muscles ; and in this body the merest germ of a 
mind, endowed, however, with susceptibilities for an infinite 
expansion. Now it is required to draw out from this embryo 
being, and lead up to comparative perfection, a real man or 
woman, — one of the world's true hearted, — such an one as 
God wants to work for him here, and live with him hereaf- 
ter. This is the real aim of the family, the school, and the 
church ; and any thing short of this falls below the aim. 
My heart is sick, my ear is pained with the lavish praises 
of education, falsely so called, because so partial, and con- 
sequently so deficient and inedeqiiate to meet the practical 
wants of real manhood. How many a clever lad might 
have made something and have been useful, had a right 
direction been given him at first; but he has been suffered 
to run wild until turned over to the schools, where he has 
had simply books piled on his head, until his brains have 
ceased to move, at least in the direction, the books pointed 
out, and has made a " dead set" in his course for the want 
of a proper outfit. How many in the wrong way, are edu- 
cated to death, to live good for nothing ever after. Many 
of these courses, instead of drawing the man out into full 
and fair proportions, do, as it were, " block him in" to the 
little boy and keep him there during life. A true education 
implies several important issues in its progress to comple- 
tion. But, sir, it is past the time of day for a speech on 
this platform, and it is easy to see, that itching ears are rap- 
idly cooling off". So I will only name, in brief, two or three 
items essential to completion in this course. 

Genuine piety is requisite to a complete education. To 
secure this, I know is the leading object of the pulpit and 
the ministry; and yet, something must be done in this di- 
rection before the child is old enough to receive much ben- 



70 

efit from the public services of the sanctuary, else your pas- 
tor, when he comes to hold forth the word of life from that 
sacred desk, will most surely sow among thorns ; and the 
thorns will spring up, and choke the word ; and so it will 
become unfruitful. Early give the child a knowledge of 
God as the Author alike of providence and revelation. 
Teach him, practically, his dependence and sinfulness, — 
learn him heartily to acknowledge both in prayer, and, ordi- 
narily, you have not only anchored him to safe principles, 
you have also cultivated susceptibilities which will make 
him love the house of God and lead him to bow, reverently, 
before the awful majesty of truth. Our first parents com- 
menced being in union with God; and the inducement 
which led them to transgress was that they might become 
as Gods themselves, and so carry out a system of education 
more peculiarly their own. Many have been the trials of 
this plan, since the first attempt. But as the experimenters 
have educated only for time, and under the instruction of 
another Master, they have done little more than furnish the 
vessels of wrath thoroughly fitted for destruction. We know 
there often are important advances in character, without pie- 
ty. Many of the civil and social virtues may be cultivated 
indefinitely, and after their kind, yield much fruit for the 
comfort of society. By means of these, the wheels of life 
are made to play with less friction, and many a rough place 
is made smoother, under their influence. We may, indeed, 
be great in all learning but the love of God, and yet we shall 
lack one needful branch, until united to Christ by faith and 
obedience. 

Another requisite, in a good education, is a due regula- 
tion of the appetites and passions. He that hath no rule 
over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and 
without walls. In the soul there are many lesser faculties, — 



71 

all needful in themselves, and all valuable servants, when 
kept in due subjection to reason and enlightened conscience 
as chief; but always unsafe, and often terrible masters when 
allowed to gain the ascendency. How many a noble ship 
is seen plowing the ocean of life stern foremost, the sport 
and jest of every adverse wind and wave, because not prop- 
erly adjusted with a due proportion of sail and ballast at 
the outset. 

Again, habits of persevering industry are essential to a 
complete education. Idleness is not only the parent of 
many vices and the source of much misery, it is also the 
most formidable foe to a correct intellectual and moral de- 
velopement. The body and the soul are to be kept in tune, 
and in harmony with each other, by suitable employment of 
some kind. Indeed, every thing in the universe is made to 
serve, according to its capacity; and the excellence of its 
service constitutes its degree of perfection. The Son of 
Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister ; and 
the Infinite Father does not excuse himself from compliance 
with this gereral law. There is hardly a greater absurdity, 
than, that a man who has a body with members, and a mind 
with' faculties at command, should undertake to perfect his 
being by idleness. THfe dumb animals, by their loved 
activity, may put him to shame ; the inanimate creation 
sustains him in mute indignation, for every part of it is con- 
stantly at work for the lazy man, while he is doing nothing, 
or next to nothing, for any one. How can a whole souled, 
true hearted man, be developed in this way? 

Mr. President : — I have a right to say these things on 
this platform, because they are true. I have full permission 
to say them, because the facts in the history of this Church 
and religious society, as this day presented, show that very 
much of their employment for the last half century has 



72 

been this very work of education, and much in this man- 
ner. A traveler from a more favored state, in regard to soil 
and climate, was, upon a time, passing through a rough, 
and bleak portion of New England, and asked a hardy res- 
ident what people " raised" here. The reply was, ** we 
cannot raise much from the soil, so we build school houses 
and churches and raise men." And surely, sir, had we not 
been to-day told of the value of your soil for agriculture, 
we might easily suppose said traveler to have taken this par- 
ish on his way. 

A good man, who once lived and prayed among you, of- 
ten predicted that Heath would eventually become a shr.ep 
pasture. And truly, sir, judging from the number of good 
and faithful shepherds who have gone forth, as to day re- 
ported, to *' feed the flock of God," both at home and in 
foreign lands, we infer, that, as matter of history, it has for 
a half century past been a green pasture where many prec- 
ious lambs in Christ's flock have been reared to maturity. 
May the prediction in this sense, be fuller than the history, 
while he whom the Holy Ghost has now set, as overseer, 
shall continue to feed and guide the sheep and the lambs 
of tliis mountain fold. 

Let the Select school, as the n'oble pilot ship that has 
done so much, in leading up the youth of this town to ex- 
cellence and honor, let the select school be ever furnished 
with a good captain ; let it ever be manned with youth who 
are so trained at home, as to do the most in school. Let 
the common school, as the smaller, though more important 
craft, be under the instruction of faitliful teachers, and wise 
superintendents; and what Heath has ever been, during 
the last fifty years, even in her most palmy days, she may 
yet be; if not in numbers, yet certainly in intellectual and 
moral worth. 



73 

You, who have been, and are now laboring in the school 
and family, are forcibly reminded that you are rapidly has- 
tening to the close of your work. Where are the fathers 
who called this aged minister to the pastoral office 7 He 
who has been recounting the worderful works of God to 
you and yours, announced, that he must deliver his mes- 
sage from *' old and withered lips." He must soon join the 
upper branch of the great family. The old pulpit lias al- 
ready gone, (taking up a fragment of it,) and the influence 
which has proceeded from tliis, will be ready to greet him 
home, as an instrument who has turned many to righteous- 
ness. Let us heed the indication in relation to ourselves ; 
for soon the shadows of death will be closing down upon 
the journey of our lives, — the commissioned angel will be 
hastening over the plain to relieve us of our heavy burdens, 
and convey us through the dark valley. 

To the sentiment : — " And the leaves of the tree were j or 
the healing of the nations ;" 

Rev. J. D. Smith, of Charlemont, remarked: — In certain 
parts of the earth, as is well known, there arises from the 
surface of the ground a subtle miasm that is fatal in its in- 
fluence to health and vigor, and, sometimes, even to life itself. 
Silently and unseen it encompasses its victims, breathes 
upon them its poisonous breath, and taints through all their 
veins the flowing streams of life. But though mankind are 
unable to secure themselves effectually against the insidious 
attacks of this foe to health and life, yet they are not left un- 
provided with a remedy for the mischiefs that it works within. 
For the Creator has planted and caused to grow out of the bos- 
om of the earth the graceful and health-bearing Circhona — 
the tree that yields the famed Peruvian bark. Inestimably 
precious gift of heaven — this tree ! It stands '' for the heal- 
7 



ing of the nations," and as a living witness that God is 
good and that He cares for man. 

But, my hearers, there are in this world of ours not only 
physical, but, also, moral miasmata — not only poisons for 
the body, but poisons likewise for the soul. And, alas! 
these latter poisons, these moral miasmata, pervade, not 
here and there some isolated spots alone, but they encom- 
pass, as with an atmosphere of death, the whole habitable 
world. Our world is an apostate world, and a world where 
every thing tends towards corruption and death. The souls 
of men are poisoned, and a thousand influences are every 
where at work to poison them yet more and more — 'till they 
shall die the Second Death. 

Such is the moral condition of mankind. But is there 
no remedy ? Has God provided an antidote for poisoned 
bodies, and neglected to provide an antidote for poisoned 
souls? No, no ; but amidst the moral as well as amidst 
the physical miasmata of the world he has planted a *' tree 
of life :" and that tree of life is the Bible, whose " leaves," 
whose truths, *' are for the healina of the nations " 

Yes, my hearers, it is by tnith, and not by bold conject- 
ure or ingenious theory, that the evils that afflict humanity 
are to be removed — to be healed. Preeminently by Scrip- 
tural truth is this to be effected; and yet all truth is saluta- 
ry — is healing. And as regards a healing, salutary influ- 
ence, next to revealed truth is to be ranked Historic truth. 
Indeed, history is but another revelation — is God teaching 
by facts. For by knowing the past we do foreknow the fu- 
ture ; and by knowing how communities have prospered^ 
we know how to make them prosper again. According to 
the narrative to which we have this day been listening, this 
particular commiinity of Heath has known seasons of great 
prosperity. Morals and icelgion have flourished here. 



75 

Schools have flourished here, and the religious society and 
the church have been in an enviable condition. And now 
I say, that a knowledge of this past prosperity, and of the 
means and appliances that secured it ; — this knovvledjie, I 
say, if rightly improved, may make Heath prosper once 
more, and bring back again to her schools, her religious 
society, and her church their most palmy days. 

History, then, is precious, and we should seek to preserve 
every scrap of it. 

I remember that when I first came to the town of Char- 
lemont, I found there two old men who had been soldiers of 
the revolution. They had both been in the famous battle 
of Bunker Hill — one in the redout, and the other at the 
rail-fence. To hear these old men tell their stories was 
to me a special delight ; and how often since have I wished 
that I had taken my pen and noted down their words as 
tliey were spoken — those simple yet eloquent words which 
they spoke when recollected scenes had warmed again their 
aged hearts, and quickened the blood in all their veins. 
How much I wish I had done this ; for to do it now it is all 
too late. Those old soldiers of freedom are now in their 
graves, and history, thrilling, precious history, lies buried 
with them. — Buried with them, for they each of them saw 
something, and heard something, and felt something which 
no others did. History, I repeat, a portion of it, lies bur- 
ied in those old soldiers' craves. 

But, my friends, an aged man has come to us to day, 

bringing back to us a portion of the history of the past; 

and 

'' He a soldier tou — of truth ; 
He, a hero from his youth.'* 

Our venerated friend has served long under the great 
Prince Immanuel; and to-day he has been telling us of his 



76 

conflicts and his victories. He has come to us bringing 

back, as I have said, the history of the past — history that 

should be especially interesting to the people of this town. 

He has told you of your past prosperity and of your past 

errors, and has thus been furnishing you with valuable aids 

as respects the future. And, surely, you cannot be willing 

that his words should vanish with the breath that gave them 

utterance in your ears? No, you want them on the printed 

'page for yourselves and your children to ponder over by 

your firesides. This is your wish 1 know, and therefore 1 

would now make the following motion, viz. : 

That a copy of the discourse to which we have this day Hstened 
with so much interest, be requested for publication, together with so 
much of the proceedings of this meeting as it may be deemed expedi- 
ent to pubUsh ; and that the whole matter of publication be referred 
to the committee of arrangements. 

In rising to second the motion, Mr. Eastman, in substance 
said : — I would not write a man's epitaph and put up his 
grave stones before his death, but if the good people in 
Heath would rejoice to erect a monument to their fathers, 
and to the Mountain Shepherd of tliirty-six years — a mon- 
ument, as firm and enduring as these mountains, whose height 
shall cast a shadow half round the world, and that shall be 
so legibly inscribed, that it may be distinctly read in two 
continents and a hundred islands, — print this remarkable 
sermon and scatter the leaves for the healing of the nations. 

The above motion was unanimously passed by the con- 
gregation. 

Here we were reluctantly compelled, by the lateness of 
the hour, to forego the privilege of listening to remarks 
from several other gentlemen who would have interested the 
audience had time permitted. 

After prayer by Rev. B. F. Clark, of Orange, Rev. Mr. 
Miller pronounced the Benediction ; — which closed the pub- 
lic exercises of this deeply interesting occasion. 



APPENDIX. 



A. 

Mrs. Bethiah Miller, wife of Rev. Moses Miller, died in Portage, 
N. Y., August 17, 1848, aged 69 years. 



Mrs. Sarah Dickinson, a daughter of Rev. Mr. Miller, who occu- 
pied the old family dwelling, and who died July 17, 1843. 

C. 

Mr. Thomas Spencer Miller, son of Rev. Mr. Miller, who died Aug. 
1, 1843, at the old family dwelling, while he was tutor in Amherst 
College. 

D. 
The names of all from Heath, who have become Ministers of the 
Gospel. 

Rev. Joshua Leavitt, at present an Editor, New York City. 
'< Lowel Smith, Missionary. 
" John C. Thompson, Holyoke. 

" Stephen T. Allen, at present an Editor, New York City. 
" William Howland, Missionary. 
" Lemuel Leonard, Moscow, N. Y. 
" David H. Thayer, Western New York. 
" George Benton, Baptist, Illinois. 



M 



E. 

The names of the females who married Ministers. 
ss Clarissa Leavett, married Rev. Joseph X. Ware. 



Elizabeth Thompson, 
Bethiah A. Miller, 
Hannah B. Miller, 
Elizabeth Taylor, 
Susan Reed, 
Sarah Jane Hastings, 
Anna Gerry, 
Cordelia Dickinson, 
Mary Temple, 



Giles Leach. 

W. A. Nichols. 

Lemuel Leonard. 
Frederic Ayer, Missionary. 
William Howland, " 
James Nichols. 
Anthony Case, Baptist. 
Seth Hardy. 
Mr. Smith. 



The names of the Physicians who originated from Heath. 
Jonas Brown, Harrington Brown, 

Ebenezer Tucker, Thomas Taylor, 

Reuben Nims, Samuel Taylor, 

Henry Maxwell, Joseph E. Fisk, 



L»fC 



78 

David Allen, Cyrus K. Fisk, 

Horace Smith, J. G. Holland, 

Loren Allen, Jonathan Temple, 

Roswell Trask, Cyrus Temple. 

G. 
The names of the Lawyers who originated from Heath. 
Hon. Jonathan Leavitt, Judge of the Supreme Court. 
" Sylvester Maxwell, of Charlemont. 

Joshua Leavitt, since a Minister and an Editor. 
Henry Temple. 

H. 
Thomas S. Miller and John M. Emerson. 

L 

The product of one Farm in Heath, as taken from Report of Agri- 
culture of Massachusetts, 184L 

The farm contained one hundred and ten acres. Six acres in til- 
lage, twenty in English mowing, seventy in pasturage, ten in wood. 

The soil is described as loamy and hilly. 

The stock — horses, 2 ; cows, 4 ; sheep, 250 ; swine, 4 ; colts, 2. 

PRODUCTS. 
English hay, 2 1-4 tons per acre, 
Wheat, 
Indian Corn, 
Oats, 
Potatoes, 
Swedish Turnips, 
Flat Turnips, 
Pork, 1200 lbs., sold for 
Butter, 400 lbs, " " 
New Milk Cheese, 400 lbs., sold for 
Wool, 900 lbs., sold for 
Cider, 10 bbls., " '^ 
Winier Apples, 20 bush., sold for 
Manure made, 500 loads. 
Wood used, 50 Cords: 
The sheep are described as a mixed race of Saxony and Merino 
blood, and the average yield of Wool, 3 lbs. 10 oz. 

This, presuming it was well washed, is an extraordinary yield. 
The size of the loads of manure is not given ; we can only infer from 
the facts that the team was light, the land hilly, and the number un- 
usually large. 

The whole amount of sales reached $1075. Value of produce 
used or reserved, $200. The cost of labor, S200. 

Man's labor, board included, is rated at, per year, $200 ; per month, 
^17 ; per day, 75 cents ; board ot man at $1,50, per week. 

This farmer states that fu^e acres of his land produces annually an 
average of four tons of hay to the acre at one cutting. The situation 



45 tons. 


20 bush. 


20 " 


200 " 


000 '' 


20 " 


20 '' 


$120,00 

66,67 

28,00 

675,00 


10,00 
5,00 



70 



of the land is not given. He mentions a farmer in his neighborhood 
having produced the current year, from seven cows and one two years 
heifer, which calved in June, 2150 lbs. of new milk cheese, and 725 
lbs. of butter. 

According to State Statistics, ending April 1, 1845, it was estim ated 
that 19,265 lbs. of butter were made yearly— valued at $2,408 ; 62,800 
lbs. cheese, valued at $3,140; 16,080 lbs. maple sugar, valued at 
$965 ; 1,691 sheep, valued at $2,249 ; 4,359 lbs. wool produced, valued 
at $1,300; 1,159 neat cattle, valued at $15,299 : 208 swine, valued at 
$954. 



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80 



The names of the settled Pastors of this Church. 



NAMES. 

Hev. Joseph Strong, 
» Moses Miller,- 
*' Calvin Butler, collea. 
" Samuel M. Emerson, 
'' Josiah Fisher, 
'' Alpheus Graves, 



WHEN SETTLED 

1790 
18^4. 

1838. 
1840. 
1842. 



Oct. 27, 
Dec. 26, 
Oct. 31, 
Sep. 1(5, 
Sep. 7, 
June 18, 1851. 



DISMISSED. 

June 10, 1803. 
Apr. 21, 1840 
1840. 



Aug. 17, 1845. 



July 20, 1841 



Ten females 
Miss Mary Hunt married 
'' Olive Dickinson, " 
" Sarah Cheney, '' 
" Cynthia Rugg, '^ 
« Emily H. Adams, " 
f' Cordelia E.Adams" 
« Clarinda Allen, " 
" Jjydia Henry, . " 
" Prudence Henry, '' 
<' Esther Thayer, " 
" Fanny White, " 



married Physicians, viz. 
Dr. Ebenezer Tucker, 
'' George Hill, 
" Joseph Emerson, 
" Alexander Pool, 
" Nathan M. Bemis, 
'' Orsemus Bemis, 
" Jonas W. Smith, 
" Benj. VV. Stephens, 
" Samuel Moor, 
" David Hiscock, 
" Moses Barrett, 



Marlboro' Vt. 
Heath. 

a 

Dennis. 
Rowe. 

a 

Brattleboro,Vt. 
Guilford, '' 
Canaan, N. Y. 
Pittstown, '' 
Charlemont. 



Two married Printers, viz. : 
Miss Martha Sawyer to Mr. Burnell, Missionary. 
'' Emily Gale to Mr. Charles H. Bronson, Printer and Editor. 
». • 
Two married Lawyers, viz. : 
Miss Margarette S. Hastings to Russell E. Dewey. 
" Hannah H. Temple to George D. Burgess. 



t 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 




014 078 587 8 



